Always on the hunt for new perspectives in the arts, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi invites you to enjoy two complementary exhibitions that offer a distinctly graceful approach to ceramics. Contemporary in the sense that they build on the rising wave of female ceramicists entering the genre, but also timeless in their awareness for their respective disciplines. Take this chance to be part of the important emerging conversation on women's voices in the Japanese arts, and see for yourself what they have brought to their respective art forms.
Ebullient ceramicist Mari Yoshimura has taken the Kutani ware genre of ceramics by storm with her concise core colour palette that never ranges far from gentle blushes of red and flushed beige of the kutaniakae style of Kutani tradition. Yoshimura makes the tradition her own building in modern and occasionally unusual motifs into her porcelain which blend effortlessly with the conventional geometrics and floral motifs that you would ordinarily expect from the genre. Backing up this deeply personal style is an enviable intricacy and deft judge of negative space that marks her as an altogether respectful rebel in her field.
Kanazawa, Ishikawa based ceramicist Yuri Takemura's exhibition echoes this fresh approach, reflecting on the asymmetry and natural forms, but building a sense of elegance into her designs that is truly striking. The artist enjoys a varied output at times embracing the warmth of a rustic worn patina, while at others offering the stark contrast of perfect monotone in swirling interacting forms. Her latest sits comfortably with the season, capturing the rustle of pink petals in motion, Takemura's well-judged perspective forcing an active engagement from the viewer as it begs to be examined from every angle.
Join us at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi as we usher in this new generation of talent to our galleries, undeniably contemporary in design, but also very much at home next to their more traditional counterparts; a welcome breath of fresh air without bluster.
Mari Yoshimura presents "Bewitching Red"
Dates
April 20th - 26th
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 6F, Art Square
Yuri Takemura Exhibition
Dates
May 4th - 10th
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukosh Main Building 6F, Art Square