TAKAKO SAITO DIES AT THE AGE OF 96

Takako Saito died on 30 September 2025.

Her works can be seen in major museums around the world: delicate, tranquil objects made from the simplest of materials, countless variations on chess sets, or stalls reminiscent of toy shops, the ‘You&Me Shops’, where twigs, stones, leaves, shells and everyday objects are exchanged, combined or incorporated into small collaborative works.
(Today, on 2 October, I picked up the first chestnut in the main square).
Takako Saito attached great importance to interaction with her fellow human beings. Play took centre stage in her work; it was her way of communicating, her language.
We owe her unforgettable moments in Hadersdorf.
The great Fluxus artist was a guest at the ‘Ausstellungshaus Spoerri’ in 2018 and ensured that the museum extended into the park on the main square. The residents of Hadersdorf were invited to participate in three playful performances. After the performances, they said:
‘We all agree: let's do it again anytime!’
We are very sad that it is no longer possible to repeat the event, but we should ensure that Takako's cheerfulness remains in the world.
Barbara Räderscheidt

 

Season 2018: Fluxus

24. März – 30. Oktober 2018

In 2018 the exhibition house led its visitors into the world of Fluxus. In the early 1960s, the »Fluxists« wanted to show that the boundaries between art and life are fluid. The merging of art and everyday life was just as important to them as the dissemination of works of art by means of inexpensive editions and multiples. These ideas also characterize Daniel Spoerri's early work and show his closeness to Fluxus. 

In the work of Takako Saito another important Fluxus element was made visible, audible, playable and tangible in an impressive way: playing with things and being asked to take part in this game. With the participation of residents of Hadersdorf, she invited to three performances in the park on the main square - a touch of lively Fluxus in Lower Austria! 

A large outdoor installation by Yoko Ono (»Play it by Trust«) ties in with Takako Saito's impressive chess game variations. 

Exhibition period: March 24 – October 30, 2018

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