Japanese Ceramics Exhibition and Symposium Highlights the Work of 20th and 21st-century Artists Working in Japan
The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida is displaying contemporary ceramic works by more than 30 Japanese artists in an exhibition titled Into the Fold: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection. Among the artists represented in the exhibition are historicalmaster potter pioneers Hamada Shōji, Kiatoji Rosanjin, Yamada Hikaru, and Kazuo Yagi and contemporary leaders such as Nakaigawa Yuki, Katsumata Chieko, Hoshino Kayoko, and Akiyama Yō. A corresponding international symposium will take place November 2. The exhibition will be on view through July 15, 2016.
Into the Fold includes objects associated with the medium’s development, including tea vessels, biomorphic forms, geometric design, monumental and sculptural art, and works that exemplify two very important art movements in Japan called the Mingei (folk art movement) and Sōdeisha (avant-garde movement). The exhibition features both artists whose work is inspired by traditional themes and those who work in (or are influenced by aspects of) the avant-garde. Tensions between form and functionality, traditional and modern, national and international are often evident across works in the exhibition and within individual works.
The Harn Museum of Art is holding a corresponding symposium titled “Into the Fold” on Nov. 2 from 1:15 to 4:40 p.m. Akiyama Yō, an artist whose work is highlighted in the exhibition and is Professor of Ceramics at Kyoto City University of Arts, will offer insights into his techniques and work. Additional speakers include Daicho Tomohiro, Curator at Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, offering information about contemporary Japanese ceramics in museums in Japan; Hyeyoung Cho, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Craft at Seoul Women’s University, offering an overview of Japanese artists participating in ceramic biennial exhibitions and fairs in South Korea; Halsey and Alice North, private collectors of contemporary Japanese ceramics, sharing information about their collection that was exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Joan B. Mirviss, owner of the leading Japanese fine art gallery in New York City, hosting a conversation with Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz about Japanese contemporary ceramics and their art collection.
In addition, Akiyama Yō will give a free public demonstration to University of Florida students and visitors on Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the College of the Arts, Fine Arts Building C, Room B14.
Image credits:Katsumata Chieko, Akoda Pumpkin, 2013, on loan from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz
Tokuda Yasokichi IV, Ouran 2, 2010, on loan from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz
Shoko Koik, Shiro no Shell (White Shell), 2012, on loan from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz
