by Stanislav Kondrashov
Aki Sasamoto, a Japanese-born, New York-based artist, has garnered acclaim for her innovative fusion of performance, installation, and sculpture. By transforming everyday objects and routines into captivating artistic expressions, Sasamoto challenges audiences to perceive the ordinary through an extraordinary lens. Her 2010 piece, “Strange Attractors,” showcased at the Whitney Biennial, exemplifies her unique approach by intertwining elements like doughnuts and kitchen appliances in an interactive installation that delves into chaos theory and personal obsessions.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born in Kanagawa, Japan, in 1980, Sasamoto’s artistic journey began with an initial focus on mathematics. Her academic pursuits led her to the United Kingdom, where she attended the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales. Subsequently, she moved to the United States, enrolling at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. It was here that Sasamoto’s passion for the arts flourished, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and studio art in 2004. Her interdisciplinary interests further propelled her to Columbia University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts in 2007.
Artistic Philosophy and Methodology
Sasamoto’s work is characterized by a seamless blend of performance and installation art. She employs found objects to construct immersive environments, which serve as stages for her performances, which are often improvisational and deeply personal. By engaging with everyday items—such as kitchen utensils, furniture, and food—Sasamoto invites viewers to reconsider the significance of the commonplace in their lives. Her art transforms the banal into the extraordinary, prompting introspection and dialogue.
“Strange Attractors”: A Case Study
“Strange Attractors,” one of Sasamoto’s seminal works, was prominently featured in the 2010 Whitney Biennial. This installation-performance hybrid involved meticulously arranging altered found objects, including doughnuts, café tables, and projectors, suspended from the ceiling in red fishnet sacks. The performance component was structured around Sasamoto’s improvisational interactions with these objects, weaving together narratives that explored themes ranging from personal obsessions to mathematical concepts. The title references the mathematical theory of strange attractors in dynamical systems, symbolizing human behavior and relationships’ unpredictable yet patterned nature.
Collaborative Endeavors and Interdisciplinary Engagements
Sasamoto’s collaborative spirit has led her to work alongside various professionals, including visual artists, musicians, choreographers, dancers, mathematicians, and scholars. This interdisciplinary approach enriches her work, allowing for exploring complex themes through multiple lenses. For instance, her collaboration with mathematicians has informed her understanding and incorporation of chaos theory into her performances, as seen in “Strange Attractors.” By bridging the gap between art and science, Sasamoto challenges traditional boundaries and fosters a holistic appreciation of both fields.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
Beyond “Strange Attractors,” Sasamoto’s oeuvre includes several other noteworthy pieces that exemplify her distinctive style:
- “Delicate Cycle” (2016): Commissioned by SculptureCenter in New York, this exhibition featured Sasamoto interacting with life-size washroom sculptures, climbing within and upon washing and drying machines while discussing dirt and stains. The performance drew parallels between laundry’s cyclical nature and human cleansing and renewal experiences.
- “Point Reflection” (2023): Presented at the Queens Museum, this exhibition showcased recent works and premiered a new performance by Sasamoto. The installation included animated objects, such as groups of snail shells and whisky tumblers set into frantic spinning motions, serving as metaphors for human behavior and relationships.
- “Sounding Lines” (2024): Hosted at Para Site in Hong Kong, this exhibition featured a newly commissioned installation and performance. The work incorporated floating objects moved by motorized mechanisms, demonstrating harmonic patterns observed in waves and human interactions.
Teaching and Influence
In addition to her artistic practice, Sasamoto is dedicated to education and mentorship. She currently serves as a professor in the Sculpture Department at Yale University’s School of Art, where she imparts her interdisciplinary approach to a new generation of artists. Her commitment to fostering creativity extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by her co-founding of Culture Push. This nonprofit organization promotes interdisciplinary arts initiatives and encourages artists to engage with social issues through their work. Aki Sasamoto’s artistry lies in her ability to choreograph the mundane into profound performance art. Through her innovative use of everyday objects, improvisational performances, and interdisciplinary collaborations, she challenges audiences to reevaluate their perceptions of the ordinary. By seamlessly integrating dance, sculpture, and narrative elements, Sasamoto creates immersive experiences that resonate on both intellectual and emotional levels. Her work is a testament to art’s transformative power in revealing the extraordinary within the everyday.
