Hydrostalk:oyster
2027
H61½ X 16 X 12 in
H156 x 41 x 30.5 cm
Cast aluminum, cast iron, copper, hand-carved proprietary compound (oyster shell, polymer, marble and epoxy)
The Hydrostalk series consists of vertical structures in which aluminum (or zamak in the mussels version) is cast directly onto a copper-tube core. Thin aluminum fins and irregular, amoeba-like extensions form as the molten metal cools, creating a continuous body whose surface records the liquid tension of the casting process. Into these metallic layers, three distinct types of prima materia are fused and locked.
In Hydrostalk: oyster, the compound is built primarily from oyster shell and marble granule, producing a dense, genuine white surface. In Hydrostalk: turquoise, the compound is composed of multi-azure minerals — turquoise, lapis lazuli, and related stones — creating a blue-turquoise base. In Hydrostalk: mussels, the compound combines the natural blackish-purple luster of the mussel shells with an iridescent, multi-colored mineral mixture.
Hydrostalk: oyster stands at human height on a square cast-iron base. Hydrostalk: turquoise is presented at tabletop scale. Hydrostalk: mussels follows the same structural logic with a slightly more irregular ascent and a solid zamak body of matching width. In all three, the copper tube remains exposed at the top, its surface ranging from high mirror polish and bright orange reflection to natural brown tarnish.
The clean vertical form reduces formal distraction and concentrates attention on the material fusion itself. The static, minimal stance invites close observation of how the prima materia is locked into the metal, producing the illusion of two rigid materials amalgamated beyond their melting points into a single continuous body.
Hydrostalk:oyster (2027) Cast aluminum, cast iron, copper, hand-carved proprietary compound (oyster shell, polymer, marble and epoxy). H61½ X 16 X 12 inch H156 x 41 x 30.5 cm
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Close-up of the textured surface showing oyster shell elements embedded in cast aluminum and proprietary compound.
Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Tall vertical hybrid form of cast aluminum and proprietary compound with irregular organic surfaces, standing on a black cast iron square base.
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Upper portion showing the copper rod and layered cast aluminum with textured organic surfaces.
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Close-up of oyster shell elements embedded in the cast aluminum and proprietary compound surface.
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Close-up of the layered and textured cast aluminum surface with flowing, irregular forms.
Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Side view of the tall vertical hybrid form of cast aluminum and proprietary compound with irregular organic surfaces, standing on a black square cast iron base.
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Close-up of layered cast aluminum forms mixed with oyster shell elements.
Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Tall vertical hybrid form of cast aluminum and proprietary compound with irregular organic surfaces, standing on a black cast iron square base.
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Complex upper section with layered and crumpled cast aluminum forms.
Detail of Yasue Maetake’s sculpture Hydrostalk:oyster, 2027. Lower section showing an irregular cast aluminum plate with openings attached to the textured central column containing oyster shell elements.