THOSE keen to learn more about the art of sculpturing - kinetic sculptures to be precise - should head to the Petronas Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.

Japanese kinetic artist Masato Tanaka is showing off his kinetic sculptures for the first time in Malaysia. His exhibition titled 'Tokitsumugi - the grain of strands from some moments' is currently on show at the gallery and is open till May 13.

The exhibition, also dubbed 'the scenic movement presentation', is jointly organised by the Japan Foundation and Petronas Gallery.

Masato who is also a 3-4 dimensional space designer has presented an effort of 12 moving sculptures combining art and technology to create free movement.

His kinetic sculptures are made of materials such as steel and motor magnets which are able to harness elements of nature like wind and gravity.

Petronas Gallery director Nasariah Syed Ibrahim said the movement of the sculptures can create an effect of natural rhythms through a range of graceful movements.

"The result (of the display of the works) is a mesmerizing display of sculptural beauty and graceful animation that exudes from these sophisticated 21st century mobiles," she said in her speech at the exhibition opening recently.

Relaxation and comfort

In a souvenir programme, Masato wrote that the main theme of his work is to follow the direction of artistic atmosphere that is able to prompt relaxation and comfort to people.

"I also wish to promote a concept called 'Playground of one's eyes' by using inorganic materials and forms to enable the eyes to rest idly, glancing out from the cornets of daily life.

The purpose, Masato explained, of creating these art works is to demonstrate the technology not only to bring the acceleration of modern life but also a sense of hidden natural beauty.

"Masato's artworks find their dramatic aesthetic resonance in their sculptural beauty and technological animation" Nasariah said.

Among the works exhibited in the gallery include 'Connecting the sounds of stars twinkling', 'The tail of the wind rounded in my pocket' and 'Some songs from the waves'.

Masato was born in 1961 in Yokohama and graduated from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. He had displayed his work in many countries, including Hong Kong, China, Macau and Singapore.

Free entrance

Meanwhile, Nasariah pointed out that by holding an exhibition together with the Japan Foundation, it will promote cultural diplomacy through an ongoing and generous arts exchange between Malaysia and Japan.

She said it is important to include international exhibitions in order to encourage the Malaysian art movement to continue thriving to find its international profile.

"This will not only expose Malaysian artists and audiences to the best foreign works of art but also create the impetus for Malaysian artists to venture abroad," she added.

The exhibition at the Petronas Gallery is open free to the public from 10am till 8pm daily except on Mondays.