A new project by contemporary artist Towa Takaya and Takehito Kato (Professor at Oyama National College of Technology, Technical Director of SOLAR POWER PAINTERS Inc. and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Energy Education, a non-profit organisation) has now been launched and will begin collaborative production.

*Photo: Towa Takaya and Mr Kato after the first collaborative experiment at Koyama National College of Technology on 29 July 2024.

● Project Overview
Valuing the universal aesthetic sense of ancient Japan, Takaya has been creating works in Japan and abroad using his own original paints made from earth, plants and cosmetic materials, exploring the roots of the space in which he exists, and seeking an immersive space in which the viewer can feel as 'part of the great natural cycle', including the universe, in front of his works. Towa Takaya has explored the roots of the space in which she exists.

Incorporating the earth and natural objects into her creative process, Takaya has hesitated about a sustainable form of her own art in this time of increasing need for further consideration of the global environment on a global scale. While wondering if it would be possible to create a new cycle not only through the light produced by the colours, but also through the artworks themselves, Takaya met Mr Kato, who was working on the research and development of photovoltaic ink, which can generate electricity simply by being applied. The project has now begun the joint research and production of artworks using "power-generating ink".
This is the first time that art and science have worked together to create artworks that generate light and illumination without the use of electricity through the use of 'power-generating ink'. At present, prototypes using the Power Generating Ink have already begun, and it has been confirmed that electricity is generated when sunlight shines on the drawn images.

*Photo: Experiments with different brush strokes and solar-powered ink by Towa Takaya

We are currently working towards the goal of presenting the results of our production from 2025 onwards. In the future, we intend to implement the results of this joint research in areas such as support for areas affected by natural disasters.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
https://forms.gle/aSzxoPJhodtV5UyY8

<Profile of Towa Takaya >
Takaya was born in Tokyo in 1992. Ms. Takaya holds a degree from Goldsmiths, University of London and is currently based in Tokyo. She creates works using colour materials that she has manufactured herself from land, plants and cosmetic ingredients sourced from Japan and abroad. His unique approach to colour exploration, encompassing subtle nuances and rich tonal gradations, invites the viewer into a contemplative space that transcends the ordinary. From 2019 onwards, he will spearhead the WHYNOT project, which aims to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between artists and individuals engaged in the field of art. She is currently engaged in ongoing initiatives to foster solidarity and community-building through art.

Artist official website: https://towatakaya.com/

<Profile of Dr. Takehito Kato>
Born 1979 Doctorate in research on dye-sensitised solar cells at the Kyushu Institute of Technology. He subsequently joined Sumitomo Chemical Co. From 2012 onwards, he has been engaged in research and development of coating-type environmental energy generators at the Oyama National College of Technology, while concurrently directing the training of engineers. Mr. Kato is currently engaged in the management of the NPO Energy Education, with the objective of disseminating and advancing recurrent education in environmental technology on a global scale. Additionally, he plays a pivotal role in the social implementation of coating-type power generation technology through Solar Power Painters Inc.

Dr Kato Laboratory HP: https://www.oyama-ct.ac.jp/M/kato/use.html