Ikue Kakutani

At first glance, it looks like a stone, but it is not a stone. Ikue Kakutani expresses this "stone" by using paper, which is the opposite material to stone. She adds layers of color to the paper and carves the rings of the stone. The colors of the stones are not homogeneous, but sway in a subtle gra...

At first glance, it looks like a stone, but it is not a stone. Ikue Kakutani expresses this "stone" by using paper, which is the opposite material to stone. She adds layers of color to the paper and carves the rings of the stone. The colors of the stones are not homogeneous, but sway in a subtle gradation and seem to ooze color from within. Neighboring stones resonate with each other and continue to create new colors. These "stones," which are mistaken for the real thing, have a weight, texture and presence that makes it hard to believe they are paper, and they shake our perceptions.
Many of her works are inspired by Japanese gardens, especially Katsura Rikyu (Kyoto). The paving stones that she actually walked and stepped on are photographed and depicted one by one with great care.