Kazuhiko Tanaka 田中一彦, 1947 | Stone / clay sculpture

Kazuhiko Tanaka 田中一彦 was born in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

1965 - Graduated from Kofu First High School.

1971 - B.F.A., Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music with a major in Architectural Design.

1976 - First-Class Architect license acquired.

1982 - Open his own architectural design office in Tokyo.

1991 - Open a limited company, Zakurosha in Tokyo.

For more than forty years, he has been working as an architect in Tokyo.

Artist Statement

"Observation is very important in the execution of my work because careful observation allows me to confront and understand the materials I use as well as my own inner self as an artist. People frequently ask me, “Why are you making figures, since you are an architect?” I also ask myself the same question. The answer is simple. Before being an architect, I am a human being. This is the way I create the forms of my sculptures.
Even though I am an architect I am not a big fan of large buildings. This also prompts people to ask me “Why?” The answer is the same. I am no more than a man, and my preferences in life depend on my nature, my tastes, and the way I am living.
I have learned that the remote ancestors of mammals that survived through the ages of the dinosaurs were often small, mouse-like creatures. Like our small ancestors I am searching for a way of life in this modern age where mega sized corporations and political powers are to me like dinosaurs. I do not want power, but only to make my own way, step by step.
And I want to be a friend of small things, both creatures and objects. These things may explain why I am making small figural sculptures. When I am walking in the city, not on business as an architect, just observing people walking, talking, and laughing, I realize these are the beautiful moments of their lives.
These images inspire me to try to recreate them as soon as possible. Sometimes I am so absorbed I work till dawn. The experiences of my childhood are for me treasures.
So, I try to dig up these almost forgotten beautiful moments and shape them into images, almost like keeping a daily journal. Ultimately, I want to reflect those treasured moments in other people’s lives. And when I create good ones, those are blissful experiences for me”.