Japanese sculptor and painter Kazuki Takamatsu uses a technique known as Depth-Mapping to create striking and critical narratives. First he uses gouache in multiple layers and then incorporates this technique of ‘Depth Map’ which is where every pixel on the object is a shade of gray that is proportional to the distance from which the viewer sees it. The combination of hand painting with computer graphics creates astonishing three dimensionality. Note: This concept was introduced by Lance Williams in 1978 in a paper entitled Casting curved shadows on curved surfaces.
Floating in clouds comprised of layers and layers of white paint, Takamatsu’s young female subjects often stand in seeming despair holding large weapons amongst objects such as skulls, mushrooms, animals, technological sound equipment, and buildings. All of his subjects look almost identical, a comment on “how Japanese girls dress and act like the others…how they follow similar trends, wear similar clothes, talk – and behave – in similar ways…” The artist describes being fascinated with death and critical of societal patterns.
In a recent interview Takamatsu commented, “To those of you who are experiencing emotional pains, unsure of yourselves, and feeling vulnerable…you might think that you are not strong enough. But, please know that you feel those pains because you have gentleness/tenderness inside of your hearts. So, please be confident (knowing that you are great just the way you are).” – via beautiful.bizarre
