Shiro Takahashi – “Free Art Exhibition” Raymond Roussel Laboratory

Shiro Takahashi is known nationally and internationally as a pioneer of Japanese media art, in particular his unique invention of inflatable sculptures have made a significant contribution to the fields of entertainment and education. He began his career as an artist in the late 60's, in the 70's he presented work produced by computer, in the 80's he brought art and entertainment together through his inflatable sculptures, always at the front of the next generation, while also leading research in design at Tama Art University. His work is known worldwide in the field of research into Islamic patterns, and has been a strong advocate of a unique thinking towards education while also taking on the role as principal of Tama Art University, continuing to work across art, research and education.
In recent years it is the research into the French artist Raymond Roussel which has been a strong focus of Takahashi. The work of Roussel, which had a deep impact on Marcel Duchamp and Surrealism, is here interpreted as the cutting edge of media art, and clearly presents the concept of "Free Art", one of the points of arrival of Takahashi's thinking, while at the same time opportunity to look forward to the opening up of the theory of free art to wider society. This is an exhibition sharing the dream of art with all those with an interest in art and education from children to adults.
Chihiro Minato (curator of Free Art Exhibition)

■Associated Event
Talk Event "Circling Raymond Roussel"
Speakers: Shiro Takashi (exhibiting artist) x Kouji Okaya (Researcher of French Art and Literature. Translator of Roussel's "Impressions of Africa" + Moderator: Chihiro Minato (curator of this exhibition)
Date: 17th March (Sun) 17:00-19:00
Venue: 3331 Arts Chiyoda 1F Gallery B
Free, reservation not required, capacity: 50 participants
■Exhibition Overview
□Title: Shiro Takahashi - "Free Art Exhibition" Raymond Roussel Laboratory
□Dates: 3rd March (Sun)-30th March (Sat) 2013 12:00-19:00
□Closed:Tuesdays
□Venue:3331 Arts Chiyoda 1F Gallery B
□URL:www.idd.tamabi.ac.jp/art/46/
□Admission: Free
□Organizers: "Free Art Exhibition" Organizing Committee
□Co-organizers: Tama Art University
□Support: Media Art Course, Department of Design Informatics, Tama Art University /Insitut Francais Tokyo/ 3331 Arts Chiyoda
□Enquiries:roussel@shiro1000.jp
□Tel:042-679-5634 (Tama Art University Media Art Course)