Silvia Tagusagawa My artistic focus revolves around contemplating the body and its poetic possibilities, drawing inspiration from nature and sculptures of the human figure. Presently, I have been reflecting on the theme of Desire, particularly within the framework of Deleuze and Guattari's concepts. This exploration manifests in the sculpting of young feminine figures, expressing a yearning for vibrant living. Desire, as proposed by Deleuze and Guattari, becomes the driving force propelling the body to create, seek pleasure, joy, and love. The body, as an agent of action, takes shape under the influence of symbolic elements like plants, flowers, and leaves, metaphorically representing the pulsating potential within bodies, transforming the world. Flowers, symbolizing fleeting sensations, embody initial vibrancy and impermanence, while the aspiration persists for enduring permanence. This series is a profound and poetic expression that aims to transcend conventional boundaries, delving into the complexities and nuances of desire in continuous dialogue with art.
Silvia Tagusagawa is a Brazilian-born ceramic artist based in British Columbia, Canada. Her work is profoundly influenced by her Japanese heritage, rooted in her grandparents' immigration to Brazil during the interwar period. This rich cultural background infuses her art with a harmonious blend of Japanese aesthetics and Brazilian vibrancy, reflected in her meticulous attention to detail and deep appreciation for natural beauty and impermanence. Silvia holds both a master's degree and a doctorate in Visual Arts from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. She has participated in group and individual exhibitions, as well as prestigious international ceramic art competitions, including the Aveiro International Ceramics Biennial in Portugal (2009 and 2011), the IX Kapfenberg International Ceramics Biennial in Austria (2009), and the 20th L'Alcora International Ceramics Competition in Spain (2010). In 2021, her relocation to Canada marked a new chapter in her career. She resumed her artistic pursuits with renewed vigor, undertaking academic enrichment at institutions such as Sheridan College and Vancouver Island University. This transformative period enabled her to seamlessly integrate her personal experiences with her artistic practice, creating a body of work that interweaves themes of art, body, and desire. Through her evocative creations, Silvia invites viewers to engage deeply and become integral parts of her enriching artistic journey.
