Daito Takefusa — Fragmented Signs (Double Touch B)
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
Fragmented Signs (Double Touch B) by Daito Takefusa explores the melding of existential and physical experiences and reference points in the form of two generous stacked ceramic objects. Building on the imperfections of his own memories as a point of abstraction within the works, Takefusa creates each ceramic object by hand, with rudimentary tools adding texture and depth to objects that present as rounded bodily forms – deliberately sliced to obscure their completed structures. Rich surface texture is a result of Takefusa’s unique combination of various clays, grogs and glazes, with aluminium oxide partially brushed-off once fired to reveal a layering of tones and textures that bring a complexity to the soft and rounded forms.
PROJECT QUOTE:
“My curiosity lies in those moments when fleeting and vague images manifest more concrete in the mindscape – such phenomena resembles the process of ceramics, malleable clay turns into solid ceramics. I believe the essence of ceramic is an ability to encapsulate both presence and absence at once, which allows us to fill in the gaps with our own reference, memory and history.”
Material and dimensions:
Ceramic.
51 x 47 x 48cm.
Year:
2025
PHOTOGRAPHY BY:
Benjamin Lund
LONG DESCRIPTION:
Fragmented Signs forms one part of a continuous exploration of Daito Takefusa’s lived experiences, memories and cultural references through his physical manifestations in clay. Most closely linked to the artists contribution to the combined exhibition “In: Material” at Objekt art space in Aarhus, Denmark – the curatorial starting point tasked Takefusa with exploring vague and fleeting traits of his own memories through his ceramic practice. Having lived across multiple continents and cultures, Takefusa created a body of work that spoke of relocation and disconnection from physical environments; questioning notions of identity and connection to place. Disconnection and relocation emits from the cut-off forms of Fragmented Signs, with their stacked formation referencing the accumulation of change and cultural shifts. Broader cultural and historical references within the work can be seen in Takefusa’s process – initial digital form studies giving way to traditional methods to form giving, and a finishing process reminiscent of archaeological excavations – referencing both the lineage of his Japanese heritage and the contemporary influences of early 2000’s youth culture.
DESIGNER BIO:
Daito Takefusa.
Ceramist, born 1992.
From his workshop within Copenhagen’s Nørrebro district, Daito Takefusa’s ceramic practice is built around the duality of presence and absence. Each clay form is constructed through hand- building techniques that require an intimate presence with the material. At the same time Takefusa’s influences and inspirations often stem from his own internal ‘ancient memories’: childhood moments captured through a nostalgic lens. Many of his works are composed of abstract human forms – incomplete and disjointed, allowing the viewer to internally piece together his figurative motifs. Others are rounded and approachable, referencing the cartoonish stylisation of Takefusa’s beloved anime from his youth in rural Japan. A combination of hand-made textures – created from a single stone found on the island of Bornholm, and unconventional glazing techniques further accentuate the nostalgic resonance of his work. Each piece appears as if it could have been lifted from an ancient archaeological site, rather than a contemporary kiln – juxtaposing contemporary references with traditional Japanese ceramic vases, pots and ceremonial objects that have inspired his practice.
EDUCATION:
2023: Professional BA, Craft in Ceramics, Royal Danish Academy, Bornholm, Denmark.
GRANTS & HONOURS:
2024: Denmarks Nationalbank’s Anniversary Foundation, Denmark.
EXHIBITIONS:
2025: Group Exhibition, Juleudstillingen, Galleri Sol, Bornholm, Denmark.
2025: Duo Exhibition, Float and Sink with Amanda Seibæk, Arden Asbæk Gallery, Copenhagen, Denmark.
2024: Group Exhibition, In: Material, OBJEKT, Aarhus, Denmark.
2024: Group Exhibition, When the wind blows, 1.4m3 Galleri, Copenhagen, Denmark.
2023: Graduation Exhibition, CLAY Ceramic Musuem, Middlefart, Denmark.
2023: Graduation Exhibition, Grønbechs Gård: Bornholm’s Center for Craft, Denmark.
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