"The Future of Artisanal Beauty: Vessels, Wrappings, Decorations" Exhibition to Be Held in Tokyo and Kyoto
"Special Exhibition: Art Kogei, from Japan to the World 'The Future of Artisanal Beauty: Vessels, Wrappings, Decorations'" Main visual
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A special exhibition, The Future of Artisanal Beauty: Vessels, Wrappings, Decorations, is set to be held at the Terrada Art Complex Ⅱ Bonded Gallery from July 4 through July 16, 2024.
Combining beauty and practical value, Japanese arts and crafts have attracted worldwide attention for the exquisiteness and rarity of their craftsmanship. The Future of Artisanal Beauty: Vessels, Wrappings, Decorations, curated by Takeshi Akimoto and Kentaro Takayama, introduces ten artists whose works combine the expressiveness and concept of contemporary art with the traditional craft techniques and materials on which Japan prides itself. In addition to artists from the Kansai region, the exhibition will also feature artists from the Hokuriku region, an essential area for Japanese arts and crafts. It also aims to contribute to rebuilding the Hokuriku region after the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
Participating artists are Genta Ishizuka, Takahiro Kondo, Rui Sasaki, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, Midori Tsukada, Mayu Nakata, Takuo Nakamura, Koji Hatakeyama, Yoca Muta, and Teruri Yamawaki.
The exhibition focuses on the artisanal beauty of the vessel forms, known as "utsuwa." From the plastic arts perspective, the vessel's shape can be seen as a distinctive form unique to craftsmanship. It embodies the function of a simple container and the essential meaning of artisanal form. For example, we associate vessels with the shapes of the human body, naming vessel parts such as the mouth or torso or adding limbs to vessels to express the human form directly. In this way, transcending the vessel as a mere tool for containing, is an "utsuwa" form enriched with imagery and expression.
The Future of Artisanal Beauty: Vessels, Wrappings, Decorations further develops the characteristics of craftsmanship by constructing it from the perspective of "wrappings" and "decorations." Through the free expression of craftsmanship, this exhibition will introduce new trends that question the essence of craftsmanship.
The Japan Tourism Agency has selected this project as part of its "Project for Promotion of Expansion and Quality Improvement of Inbound Consumption through Provision of Special Experiences, etc." The second event is scheduled at Kenninji temple in Kyoto from November 3 to November 5, 2024.
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