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The Vancouver Art Gallery is bringing sculpture to life with Sculptural Rebirth 脱皮的彫刻, a live performance by Japanese artist Tadasu Takamine in collaboration with students from Emily Carr.
Blending sculpture and performance, the work explores themes of transformation as 14 performers transition from public engagement to introspective solitude before emerging anew. Inspired by the natural process of molting, the piece symbolises shedding an old identity and embracing change, an experience deeply connected to personal growth and artistic creation.
“Presenting Sculptural Rebirth at the Vancouver Art Gallery reflects the Gallery’s commitment to traversing diverse artistic mediums and integrating durational art within the museum space,” shares Eva Respini, deputy director and director of curatorial programs in a release. “As part of the Gallery’s Centre for Global Asias mandate, this performance represents a convergence of ideas, perspectives, artistic disciplines and new ways of experiencing art at the Gallery.”
Takamine, known for his socially engaged and deeply personal practice, incorporates various media to explore identity, resilience and societal structures. His approach often involves workshops with local participants, using their lived experiences to shape his work.
Curated by Makiko Hara, the Gallery’s Curator in Residence, Sculptural Rebirth aligns with the institution’s expanding focus on interdisciplinary and live art. Hara, a champion of cross-Pacific artistic dialogue, has played a key role in bringing performance-based works to Vancouver audiences. She describes Sculptural Rebirth as a “transdisciplinary experiment between sculpture and performance,” offering viewers a rare chance to witness artistic transformation as it unfolds in real time.
When: March 2, 2pm
Where: 3rd Floor Rotunda at the Vancouver Art Gallery
Tickets: $10+, as part of regular gallery admission