ARTIST IN THE POMPOM INSTALLATION, 2005
el Museo de la Ciudad, Queretaro, Mexico
Big Bloom, 39″ x 39″
For many years now I’ve been slowly amassing a pile of books by the visual artist and photographer Masako Takahashi whose work in and around Mexico makes me weak in the knees. Takahashi is Japanese/American artist who splits her time between a studio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Venice, California. Born in the Topaz War Relocation Center, her parents taught her to value art and artistry and opened her eyes to the world of design. Her work is infused by her own cultural experience as well as by the spirit of her adopted Mexico. Mexican culture, a love for the handmade, and the brilliant textiles, colors, embroidery, tile, architecture and ceramics found throughout play a huge role in her art work (she weaves Asian silks in typical Mexican style with her own hair). Her words and photographs have captured the essence of Mexican design in three books from Chronicle Books; Mexican Textiles: Spirit and Style, Mexican Tiles: Color, Style, Design and Mexicolor: The Spirit of Mexican Design. All three are stunning collections of the colors and textures found in Mexico. I am lucky to own all three and I go back to them time and time again.
If you can get your hands on one, or all three, do it. You’ll be glad you did!
So cool! Thanks for sharing. Love the quirkiness of his stuff.