Having been working under the themes of ancient Japanese folk traditions and religions such as “Oni/ Japanese ogre” and “Fujin Raijin/ the Wind and Thunder Gods”, this time Takishita represents “Juni Shinsho/ The twelve Divine Generals of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing”. He has been producing a series under the same theme since 2007. Today he returns to the subject with a new interpretation, and will express his creation freely in a white cube at the gallery.

Famous examples of “The twelve Divine Generals” as Buddhist statues are the national treasures at Shinyakushiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple in Nara. Those are described as the masterpieces by the finest Busshi sculptors of the time.

Takishita has a strong resemblance to those Busshi sculptors for his prolificity where he produces over 200 pieces a year, and his artisanal techniques of carving boards and coloring them with painting knives. At the same time, there can be seen a deep influence from subculture such as Manga and Anime in his works. Moreover, dynamic but carefully designed screen structure and dramatic color scheme embrace the elements of Ameri- can Pop Art, along with those of Rimpa that is often referred to describe his manner. We can see an analogy in origins between Takishita who majored in design at university, and Andy Warhol, who started his career as an commercial designer. “the Pattern” of Rimpa, “the Icon” on the mass-produced screen printings by Warhol, and “the Buddhist statues” by Takishita. Although they all seem distant to each other, this universality has been inherit- ed by their hands ceaselessly.