Contemporary Japanese pottery exhibit and workshops

06/18/2007

The Japan Foundation, Manila and the Ayala Museum puts to fore Japanese contemporary pottery as seen through the eyes of a new generation of ceramic and clay artisans in the exhibition “Japanese Contemporary Pottery: The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns.” More than 70 pieces will be on view at the Ground Floor Gallery of the Ayala Museum from July 17 to August 5.

Japan has traditionally produced a large amount of ceramic works. This exhibition introduces outstanding works by young artists who are continuing the kiln tradition in areas renowned for their distinctive styles such as Arita and Karatsu, Hagi, Bizen, Kyoto, Kutani, Seto and Mino and Mashiko.

Focusing on vessels, the exhibition illustrates how artists understand the functions of a vessel in an attempt to capture the nature of Japanese pottery today. The artists selected are among the most active in Japan. However, their production policies differ. Some artists seek to further enhance traditional techniques, adding refinements in design while others strive to free themselves from tradition and create individualistic ceramic wares by pursuing completely new forms adapted to contemporary lifestyles.

Multi-awarded Japanese potter Toushin Murayama will conduct pottery workshops at the Ayala Museum on July 28 and August 4. Toushin Maruyama has gained wide recognition in Japan since 1979 when he was presented a prize by the mayor of Hagi at the The Modern Crafts Exhibition of the Chugoku Area. The following year, he won the special prize. Succeeding years brought him various awards in both local and international crafts competitions and exhibitions. In 2004, he was named Person of Cultural Merits in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Hagi City.

In 2002, Maruyama first brought his art to the Philippines via an exhibition at the GSIS Museum of Art. His willingness to share a part of himself with the Filipino people has led him to return in 2006 on an Artist’s Residency at the Philippine High School for the Arts. He has then conducted pottery workshops and demonstrations for children, communities, and other interested individuals who wanted to know more about Japanese pottery techniques.

Ayala Museum is located at the corner of Makati Avenue and De La Rosa Street, Makati City. It is open Tuesday to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For inquiries, call the Japan Foundation Manila at telephone numbers 811-6155-58, e-mail email@jfmo.org.ph or visit Web site at http://www.jfmo.org.ph

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