Jan. 17, 2007---Art of the Takaan
The Alfred Berkowitz Gallery at the University of Michigan-Dearborn will present “Art of the Takaan from Michigan Collections,” Jan. 19 through Feb. 23, 2007.
Master woodcarvers from Paete, a Philippine town long recognized for its making of papier-mâché, create “takaan” or positive forms over which paper objects are produced, according to Kenneth Gross, director of the Art Museum Project.
These manufactured objects, known as “taka,” are used as toys or as objects used in local festivals and religious celebrations. What started as a small, local activity has evolved into a major cottage industry that employs thousands of workers producing papier-mâché objects for distribution to clients worldwide, he said.
“The takaan are often carved with beautiful details that are lost in the manufacture of the final paper product; these carved forms stand on their own as works of art and have become of interest to collectors,” Gross said.
Most of the works on display during the exhibition are on loan from Michigan collectors Ken and Donna Fadeley, and include a variety of subjects such as animals, storybook characters, religious figures and holiday subjects. Tools used in creating taka and works in progress also will be included in the exhibition.
