…The Bas-Relief series in fiber, crafted primarily from transformed Japanese paper, explores the interplay between natural decay and life's vitality, inspired by the unique ecosystem. Maetake creatively uses industrial waste from her sculpture studio to construct reliefs infused with oxidized erosion elements like fermented plants, metal patina, and wood stains, revealing the material's intrinsic character and mirroring the ever-changing natural surroundings. This innovative approach not only highlights the beauty and resilience of art and nature but also prompts reflection on human activities' environmental impact. By bridging tradition and innovation, Maetake's work encourages us to contemplate our role in the world's evolving landscape.
— qt. press release Resilience in Decay
Installation view NADA House Governors Island curated by Yulia Topchiy
Yasue Maetake's installation with four framed artworks on a white wall, hardwood floor, natural light from windows.
Printed Tannins on Fiber Relief II 2023 W45 x L37 1/2 x D2 ½ in. (Frame size: L51 x W39 ¼ x D 3 ½ inch) tannins from hyacinth and pine tree on beaten kozo, gampi and cotton rag
Yasue Maetake's close-up of textured stone wall with uneven, rough surface and varying shades of beige, cream, and pink.
Yasue Maetake's installation with abstract mixed media artwork, including framed pieces and a vertical section of textured material, in a bright, minimalistic room with wooden flooring.
Printed Oxidation on Fiber Relief and Grid II 2023 W14 x L106 x D4 in. steel wire, steel rust and verdigris on boiled and beaten mulberry bark (kozo), cotton and abaca
Yasue Maetake's mixed media mixed metal sculpture resembling a human figure with rusted metal and painted paper or fabric, mounted vertically on a white wall.
Printed Oxidation VII W24 x L23 x 1 ½ inch steel rust on kozo
Yasue Maetake's close-up of a textured wall sculpture with patches of orange and white paint, and some peeling areas revealing the stone surface underneath.
Printed Oxidation on Fiber Relief IV 2023 L41 1/2 x W38 ½ x D 1 ¾ in. (Frame size: L49 x W46 ¼ x D 3 ½ inch) steel rust on beaten abaca, kozo, gampi bark, cotton linter
Yasue Maetake's close-up of wall sculpture with exposed plaster and underlying material.
Study for Printed Oxidation on Fiber #1 2023 W12 x 9 x 1 ½ in. (frame: W13 x 13 x 2 inch) verdigris on mitsumata
W12 x 9 x 1 ½ in. (frame: W13 x 13 x 2 inch)
Study for Printed Oxidation on Fiber #2
2023
verdigris on mitsumata
W13" × L10" × 2" (frame size)
PHOTO: Ernesto Eisner
Installation view of “Perpetual Screw” at International Objects
Study for Printed Oxidation on Fiber #5 2021 W12 x 9 x 1 ½ in. (frame: W13 x 13 x 2 inch) steel rust from drain snake on kozo-washi
Study for Printed Oxidation on Fiber #3 2021 W12 x L9 x D1 ½ inch (frame: W13 x 13 x 2 inch) verdigris from plumbing pipe on kozo-washi
Printed Oxidation on Fiber Relief and Grid I
2021
W 137 x L 16 x D 4 inch.
steel wire, steel rust and indigofera on boiled and beaten mulberry bark (kozo) and cotton
Yasue Maetake's detailed view of wall sculpture, cream-colored paint and patches of rust, mounted on a white wall.
Yasue Maetake's mixed media art installation with textured, torn material and rusted metal rods on a white wall.
Printed Oxidation on Fiber Relief IX 2016 W24 3/4" x L32 1/2" x D 1 1/2” (W62 x L82 x 3 cm) steel rust on boiled and beaten cotton linter and mulberry bark, on found steel
Yasue Maetake's wall sculpture in various rectangular and irregular shapes on a textured white wall.
Yasue Maetake's piece of paper sculpture with burned edges and orange-brown stains on a white background.
Yasue Maetake's weathered, abstract artwork with geometric shapes in shades of turquoise and beige, mounted on a white wall.
Yasue Maetake's close-up of a textured, weathered wall with painted turquoise and beige geometric shapes and patterns.
Yasue Maetake's wall sculpture placed vertically on a dirty, reddish-brown background.
Yasue Maetake's close-up of wall sculpture.
Printed Oxidation on Fiber Relief XI 2018 W22 x L33 x D3 inch verdigris and steel rust on abaca and cotton linter
Printed Oxidation on Fiber Relief V 2018 W10 x L10 in. pigmented cotton linters with steel and verdigris
Printed Oxidation and Indigo Blue on Fiber Relief II W26 1/2 x L16 ½ D3 1/2 inch W65 x L43 x 8.5 cm verdigris and indigo on abaca and cotton
Yasue Maetake's abstract mixed media artwork featuring textured, layered strips with a distressed, weathered look in hues of aqua, white, gray, and gold, arranged vertically on a white background.
Printed Oxidation and Indigo Black on Fiber Relief I 2016 W20 1/4 x L31 1/4 x D1 2/1 in. steel, steel rust, black steel oxide, indigo, and verdigris on kozo and cotton linter
Printed Oxidation and Ink on Fiber Relief I 2016 W43 1/2 x L26 1/2 in. steel, steel rust, verdigris and synthetic ink on boiled and beaten cotton rag
Yasue Maetake's mixed pieces of architectural debris, including wood, brick, metal, and plaster, arranged on a white background.