Describe:
In Kaneko’s art, he likes to repeat the type of structure, color, and design over and over again. He creates very tall structures called tanukis and they can be around 7 feet tall. There is normally some kind of dot design that he uses to create the tanuki and the most used colors would be red, white, black, blue, and sometimes yellow.
Analyze:
He achieves unity through his art by the designs that are found through out every single one of his pieces. He uses contrasting colors to make his art pop and for me the emphasis is on the body from the neck down. There is always repetition in his work with very little movement due to the way the characters were positioned. The size of his pieces is definitely exaggerated because a real tanuki is the size of a regular raccoon.
Interpret:
The feeling that I get from viewing his art is very playful and happy. I get this feeling from the bright colors and classic patterns. I also feel like this because most of the tanuki are smiling giving off a joyful and kid like happiness. I feel like the meaning of this work is supposed to represent his Japanese culture and how he feels about it. These vessels were made for enjoyment, not to be used in a utilitarian way.
Evaluate:
Jun Kaneko has been creating pieces for many many years and has become a very fine craftsmen and it can be seen through all his pieces. All his pieces are quite original but have very well known elements that are widely used. His art is pretty well known in the art world and his pieces are being displayed in many different locations. What really sets him apart from the rest is the size of his pieces and it’s what makes his art more unique and interesting.