Barbara Takenaga’s paintings have been viewed in many ways – as abstract or representational, micro or macro, cartoon-goofy or cosmic-psychedelic.  With a range of references that include astronomy, fractals, sci-fi and invented landscapes, the work involves a labor-intensive process.

Her most recent solo exhibition was a 20-year survey at the Williams College Museum of Art curated by Debra Bricker Balken and accompanied by a 144-page illustrated catalogue published by DelMonico Books|Prestel.  Recent large-scale wall projects include Space/42 of the Neuberger Museum and the Hunter Lobby of MASS MoCA.  Upcoming shows include DC Moore Gallery in New York City, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and the Huntington Museum.  Takenaga’s work is in the collections of the DeCordova Museum, the Smith College Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art, and the Crocker Art Museum, among others.  She is represented by DC Moore Gallery, Gregory Lind Gallery in San Francisco, and Shark’s Ink, Lyons, CO.  Takenaga lives and works in New York City and teaches at Williams College in Massachusetts.

The books mentioned in the interview are, Kiss Me Someone, by Karen Shepard and The World to Come by Jim Shepard.

Lines to the Center 2014 45x54

Night Painting, 2016, 60x70 inches