Photograph taken at Tainaiiwa in the Antarctic Showa Station B area

Art Teacher Goes to Antarctica

Art teacher, Senior High School at Otsuka, University of Tsukuba
KOMATSU Shunsuke

Advantages of Studying at the University of Tsukuba in My Career and Life

High school art classes cover various areas, including not just painting and sculpture but also design and visual media. I specialized in sculpture, and the University of Tsukuba provided an ideal setting for production. The campus was expansive and offered a flexible, enriching environment for every student.

Graduating from the university and immediately becoming a successful artist seemed ambitious. Therefore, I pursued further studies at the graduate level. My aim was to equip myself for a postgraduation scenario where I could continue creating art, possibly initiating a startup. Presently, while I engage in various artistic endeavors, I feel my achievements are not yet at a level I can be wholly proud of. I navigate two roles, that of an artist and an educator, along with conducting individual exhibitions. For instance, my most recent exhibition featured works inspired by my journey to Antarctica.

My Fondest Memories as a Student

My most memorable experience as a student occurred toward the end of my Master's program when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck, canceling our commencement ceremony. In response, our faculty and fellow students, uncertain of what to do, decided to take action by securing shelves amidst ongoing aftershocks.

Following this, I started an exchange and support initiative using artwork for a reconstruction project in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. This hands-on involvement provided insights that conventional lectures could not offer, highlighting the intrinsic relationship between art and society. I occasionally question whether my efforts genuinely contributed to the recovery, but I firmly believe it was more meaningful than remaining idle in distress.

Message to Students of the University of Tsukuba

While fulfilling a student's life is pivotal, I urge you to explore beyond the university confines. At the University of Tsukuba, students have the opportunity to enroll in diverse classes beyond their primary field, specifically during the initial years. However, beyond this stage, it becomes crucial to actively seek out opportunities to engage with the external world, as these will not be readily available.

My most impactful experience during my student years was assisting an individual working on a production at the foothills of Mount Tsukuba. This exposure to an entirely different culture left a profound impact on me. Moreover, participation in a teachers' exchange program in Antarctica prompted a reevaluation of my use of stone in sculpting. Stone, enduring for millions of years, represents the very essence of our planet. Therefore, broadening horizons beyond university learning is essential, allowing the application, and evolution of the knowledge gained.

TSUKUBA ALUMNI (PDF for printing)