Teppei Takeda's 'Flowers' Reviewed: 34 Paintings of Single Blooms
A review of 'Flowers', a book featuring 34 paintings of flowers by Japanese artist Teppei Takeda, with texts by Brian Dillon and Takenori Miyamoto. Designed by Naoto Fukasawa, the book presents each painting full-page, depicting a single flower with minimal brushstrokes and swirling paint. The works are titled 'Painting of Painting', reflecting Takeda's circular answer to why he paints. Miyamoto links the paintings to Takeda's role as primary carer for his daughter, while Dillon connects them to a Balzac story and the tension between abstraction and figuration, referencing Roy Lichtenstein and Jackson Pollock. Published by United Vagabonds at ¥5,000, the book was featured in the April 2025 issue of ArtReview.
Key facts
- Book titled 'Flowers' features 34 paintings of flowers by Teppei Takeda.
- Designed by Naoto Fukasawa.
- Each painting is full-page with a single flower made of minimal brushstrokes.
- Paintings are titled 'Painting of Painting'.
- Texts by Brian Dillon and Takenori Miyamoto, printed in English and Japanese.
- Miyamoto interprets paintings as reflection of Takeda's personal life as primary carer for his daughter.
- Dillon references a Balzac short story, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jackson Pollock.
- Published by United Vagabonds, ¥5,000 hardcover.
- Reviewed in ArtReview April 2025 issue.
Entities
Artists
- Teppei Takeda
- Naoto Fukasawa
- Wayne Thiebaud
- Roy Lichtenstein
- Jackson Pollock
- Brian Dillon
- Takenori Miyamoto
Institutions
- United Vagabonds
- ArtReview