 Visiting Artist Ueda Rikuo takes questions from Hose Elementary School students near a massive wind-catching sculpture. |
Tuesday, over 60 third, fourth, and fifth graders from Hose Elementary School came to campus to meet Visiting Artist Ueda Rikuo and learn about his very unique form of artistic expression. The students are studying Japanese culture and language. The students' questions ranged from, "How long does it take to assemble a wind machine?" to "Is it easier to construct a wind machine in Japan or here?"
Rikuo, in residence for two weeks as part of the Visiting Artists Series, creates strange machines that use wind to make visual impressions on canvas or paper.
He's exhibited his work all over the world, and some of it presently hangs in the Permanent Collection Gallery at Wabash.
Rikuo's contraptions range from intricate constructions that capture wind — either natural or from electric fans — to pens or markers hanging from tree limbs that barely touch the paper when the breeze blows.
A walk around the Wabash campus will reveal the full range of his art. On the College mall are three music stands, each with paper attached. In a nearby maple tree is a long, steel arm with a marker attached to the end. As the wind blows, the art is created.
Meanwhile, in the Gallery hangs several long tree limbs bound together with pieces of fabric attached. The limbs are carefully balanced and when operational, students will use their own lungs to breath life into original creative works.
Rikuo will continue to greet local students and introduce them to his art form through Friday. A closing reception and formal presentation of his work on the Wabash campus will take place from 3-5:00 p.m. in the Permanent Collection Gallery in the Fine Arts Center.
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