Kengo TAKAHASHI
Born in Kagoshima Prefecture in 1982.
He graduated from the Department of Crafts at Tokyo University of the Arts and completed the Master’s Program in the Metal Casting Laboratory at the same university. While working as a research assistant and part-time lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts, he began his artistic career, and in 2022 he completed the Doctoral Program in the Department of Fine Arts, Crafts (Metal Casting), Graduate School of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts.
He creates works primarily using precision casting techniques with aluminum. Having studied a wide range of methods—from traditional metal casting to the latest technologies—he pursues new expressive possibilities born from their fusion. Through materials and technique, he aims to create a unique worldview that transcends time and culture.
Kengo Takahashi creates works centered on precision casting techniques using aluminum. The technique known as hana-ikomi (vacuum pressure casting / direct casting method) is his original method in which real fresh flowers are used as the model. A mold is created around the actual flower, molten metal is poured into it, and the flower is fully reproduced in metal.
His independently developed direct-casting technique—meticulously casting fresh flowers in aluminum—has earned high acclaim.
He has participated in numerous notable exhibitions, including:
• Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2012: Satoyama Art Zoo (Nohbutai, Niigata / Anjin, Tokyo), 2012
• Superb Techniques! From Meiji Craftsmanship to Contemporary Art (2017–2019, Mitsui Memorial Museum and national tour)
• Special Exhibition: Wa-Kō-Zekka — Superb Craftsmanship of the Reiwa Era (2020–2022, Panasonic Shiodome Museum, etc.)
• Leap of Creators: Art, Design, and Technology for the Future of People and Nature (2023, Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art)
Awards
• 2021 — Tokyo University of the Arts Doctoral Exhibition, Nomura Art Prize
• 2019 — Tansui-Ō Prize, Excellence Award
• 2018 — Geidai Emerald Award
• 2017 — 46th Japan Traditional Kōgei Metalwork Exhibition, Newcomer’s Award
• 2015 — 8th Sano Renaissance Metal Casting Exhibition, NHK Utsunomiya Director’s Prize
• 2014 — Selected, Craft City Takaoka 2014 Craft Exhibition
• 2013 — Grand Prize, 7th Sano Renaissance Metal Casting Exhibition
• 2012 — Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Exhibition, Metro Foundation Excellence Award
• 2011 — Selected, AAC 3D Student Competition
• 2010 — Tokyo University of the Arts Graduation Exhibition, Taito City Encouragement Prize; Selected for the Minami-Nihon Art Exhibition
• 2008 — Naito Haruji Prize
