Yu Seto “Water sources” @ Shikisaisha
“Projects,” one of the segments lined up in the free-admission zone of Art Fair Tokyo 2019, functioned as a solo-show stage for up-and-coming young artists to watch, and it was thriving.
Among the 12 participating galleries, Shikisaisha presented “Water sources” by young sculptor Yu Seto.
All the works on show are animal sculptures — 11 pieces in total.
The material is unglazed terracotta with simple coloring. Distinctive is the use of “gyokugan” (inlaid crystal eyes), which lends a lifelike reality.
The animals in this show are said to be based on species that inhabit Africa.
When we spoke with Yu Seto, he told us that alongside the animals as visual subjects, he places importance on “a viewpoint that starts from a biological approach.”
More than just conveying each animal’s primal reality, these sculptures carry the bearing of portraits — as if delivering the presence of animals in the wild all the way to where we stand.
The animal skin surfaces created in terracotta have a wonderful tactile quality — the texture is superb (we were actually allowed to touch them).
Meeting Yu Seto himself, with his mild manner, we could feel even more strongly the vital force emanating from these animals.
The works were highly popular with the visitors flowing past, and nearly all sold out.
Prices centered from the 80,000 yen range up to the 200,000 yen range — a kind price tag that comes with being a young artist.
His popularity looks set to rise, so getting one sooner rather than later seems wise.
It felt like a lovely space where a gentle artist and his children had gathered together.
Overview
Art Fair Tokyo 2019
Venue: Tokyo International Forum, Hall E
Dates: March 7 (Thu) – March 10 (Sun), 2019 — 4 days (last admission 30 minutes before closing each day)
Press view: March 7 (Thu) 13:00–14:00
Private view: March 7 (Thu) 14:00–16:00
Vernissage: March 7 (Thu) 16:00–20:00
Public view: March 8 (Fri) & 9 (Sat) 11:00–20:00; March 10 (Sun) 11:00–17:00
Admission: Advance ticket / 1DAY passport 4,000 yen (tax incl.); on-the-day ticket / 1DAY passport 5,000 yen (tax incl.) (Free for elementary school students and younger when accompanied by an adult)
