Tama Art University

Sculpture is one of the oldest forms of art. This tactile art provides a valuable record of past civilizations and even now we are impressed by beautiful works mantled in the rich patina of age. Most sculpting materials, such as clay, stone, wood and metal, are formed in the natural world over decades, centuries or more. As heirs to a heritage, sculptors deliberately observe these natural materials and interact with them. In order to create unique pieces of work by hand, they must possess efficient technique and a resolute determination to express new sculptural images for modern society.

The Department of Sculpture is very proud of its top-class facilities and working space. Within this environment, each student learns what sculpture is and can be. In the first and second years, students build a foundation of basic skills through studying natural forms and handling a variety of sculptural materials. In the third and fourth years, the department encourages students to develop individualistic ideas as they work with a favored material. By using their senses and creative thinking prompted by a deeper relationship with the material, students aim to establish their own style of expression while turning their imagination into reality.

A sculptural work of art conveys the spirit of its creator to the outside world and will eventually assume its position in the long history of sculpture. Even with the passage of time, a work of art vividly expresses the character of the period in which is is made. It is imperative that we observe our diversified society through the eyes of today's artists and express our sense and vision in a contemporary manner. To achieve this, the artist must prize emotion, technique, and personal experience.

Educational field   

Sculpture (Study of classic / traditional and modern sculpture and acquiring skills)

Introductory education

• Students gain a deeper understanding of the basic characteristics of sculptural art.
• The department gives students training in clay modeling from the human figure.
• Students practice basic skills, such as three-dimensional composition, abstract expression, and woodcarving.
• Students study the history of sculpture and seek its possibilities through seminars, special lectures, and drawing workshops.

Basic curriculum

• Students acquire expressive techniques in the second year.
• The curriculum offers instruction in various materials (clay, stone, and metal) through which students practice “thinking with their hands”.
• Students must work on five themes during the year and deal with related technical issues.
• Students learn basic computer operation, preparing direct mail, posters, and other documents.

Special curriculum

• In the third year the curriculum encourages students to develop individualistic ideas. (off-campus workshops and classical Japanese art studies)
• Programs are divided into advanced training workshops according to the raw material selected by each student.
• Fourth-year students continue to develop their personal means of self-expression. (special lectures and off-campus workshops)
• The faculty give technical advice on graduation projects and information about careers after graduation through one-on-one consultations.

Graduate school

• The school aims to nurture artists who will excel in their field. Students select and work under one professor as their mentor according to their chosen area.
• The school actively supports students in displaying their works. (projects for setting up monumental sculptures with the cooperation of industrial and academic offices and off-campus exhibitions)
• Teaching staff provide individual guidance concerning which path to take after graduation. (support for professional activities or studying abroad)
• The school gives opportunities for students to communicate with alumni who are professional artists. (special lectures, exhibitions and studio visits)