By Art Publishers
In the world of contemporary American sculpture, Charles Osawa stands as a unique and innovative artist. With a focus on the medium of recycled materials and resin, Osawa’s work transcends the conventional boundaries of art, often serving as a mirror to reflect the current state of society through abstract figures and forms inspired by modern contemporary culture. His creations, which encapsulate various torn and crushed found objects within epoxy resin, can be best described as abstract and architectural, delving deep into the essence of preserving fragmented reflections of humanity through the adaptive use of industrial production procedures and technology.
Born in 1983 in the bustling city of Los Angeles, California, Charles Osawa embarked on a creative journey that would eventually lead him to the heart of the art world. His educational foundation was laid at Parsons School of Design in New York, where he studied interior design and architecture. In 2008, he graduated with Departmental Honors from the BFA Architectural Design Department, marking the beginning of his artistic exploration.
Charles Osawa’s artistic prowess extends beyond traditional sculpture, branching into various creative realms. His multifaceted approach has allowed him to contribute his talents to a range of noteworthy projects. Notably, he played a pivotal role in curating and designing exhibitions, including the Andy Warhol retrospective “Fifteen Minutes Eternal” and the Charles and Ray Eames retrospective “Essential Eames: A Herman Miller Exhibition.” In addition to these significant contributions, Osawa secured the winning tender for the National Gallery of Singapore Interior Renovation, where he served as an exhibition design project manager.
Beyond the traditional art world, Osawa co-founded and contributed to Singapore’s underground art collective known as WeJungle. This venture reflects his dedication to fostering the arts within diverse and unconventional spaces, which was evident in his three-weekend long exhibition and party festival titled “Destruction and Rebirth.” Held during Singapore’s 50th-anniversary celebration in 2015, the event garnered widespread media attention, with articles in prominent publications like Straits Times and Vice.
Central to Charles Osawa’s body of work is his unorthodox approach to sculpture, one that combines recycled materials with resin to create thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional artistic norms. His use of torn and crushed found objects is a testament to his commitment to sustainable artistry, highlighting the potential of discarded items to become something beautiful and meaningful.
One of Osawa’s notable creations is the “Crystal Mace of Trash,” also known as the “Crystal Club for Clubbers.” Crafted from resin and trash, this piece defies expectations by resembling crystal. Its design draws inspiration from historical methods employed during medieval times for swordsmithing, utilizing ratios and proportions to achieve its striking appearance. What’s particularly intriguing about this work is its practicality – it conveniently fits into a women’s large handbag, bridging the gap between art and everyday life.
Charles Osawa’s contributions to the world of art and design have not gone unnoticed. His work made its mark on New York Fashion Week in 2018 and 2019 when his jewelry designs graced the runway for the fashion brand Tumbler and Tipsy. Additionally, his light sculptures illuminated NYCxDESIGN (formerly known as New York Design Week) in the summer of 2021, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend art and design into immersive and captivating experiences.
Today, Charles Osawa continues to push the boundaries of contemporary sculpture. His work challenges us to reconsider our perception of art, recycling, and the potential beauty that can be found within the discarded. His commitment to sustainable and innovative artistry serves as an inspiration to both budding artists and those seeking to make a meaningful impact on the world through their creative endeavors.
In conclusion, Charles Osawa’s journey from Los Angeles to New York, from interior design and architecture to the world of recycled materials and resin, exemplifies the boundless potential of artistic expression. His contributions to the art world, from curating exhibitions to founding an underground art collective, reflect his dedication to fostering creativity in diverse spaces. As we delve into the abstract and architectural wonders of his resin sculptures, we find ourselves contemplating the fragmented reflections of humanity he so beautifully preserves in his work, reminding us that art can truly transcend the boundaries of the expected and the ordinary.
