Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore and Dialogue Gallery proudly present Clay Journeys: Transcending Boundaries in Contemporary Japanese Ceramics, a group exhibition featuring the works of five exceptional mid-career Japanese potters, presented together with Singaporean floral design. Showcasing approximately 120 exquisite artworks, the exhibition invites viewers to delve into the world of contemporary Japanese ceramic art, where traditional techniques and modern artistic sensibilities converge to create excellent artworks.

The exhibition will run from 15 August to 10 September 2023 at 7879 Gallery and Clayworks (105 Desker Road, #01-01, Singapore 209627).

In this unique exhibition, we aim to present a harmonious fusion of Japanese ceramics and Singaporean floral design, showcasing the culmination of both art forms. By intertwining these two diverse cultural expressions, we hope to facilitate a meaningful exchange between Singapore and Japan. While the flower arrangements complement the ceramic artworks, our primary focus is to highlight the distinct characteristics of contemporary Japanese ceramic art. Through the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the decorativeness, simplicity, and introspection that lie at the core of this remarkable artistic tradition.

The flower vases showcased in the exhibition will be adorned with exquisite floral arrangements created by the flower design artists of Ikebana International Singapore. Their skilled craftsmanship will bring an added dimension of beauty to the ceramic artworks on display. At the heart of this exhibition are three main characteristics that define contemporary Japanese ceramic art: decorativeness, simplicity, and introspection. Each artist offers a unique perspective on these qualities, allowing visitors to experience the profound depth and artistic expressions found in Japanese ceramics.

Makoto Yamaguchi, native of the renowned pottery-making region of Seto, draws inspiration from the Momoyama pottery of the late 16th century. He pays homage to the rich artistic heritage of that period. His masterful creations, including Oribe vases and tea bowls display a remarkable decorativeness that captivates the viewer. Yamaguchi's innovative use of glazes and his creative reinterpretation of traditional techniques bring a fresh and contemporary touch to his works.

Hiroyumi Suzuki, with his training in Korea and his mastery of unglazed pottery such as Shigaraki ware and Iga ware, exemplifies the art of simplicity. Suzuki's unglazed works exhibit a rustic charm and imperfection that resonates with the Japanese aesthetic sense of "Wabi-sabi." By using Shigaraki clay and employing long firing processes, he creates unique and organic pieces, each with its own distinctive design. Suzuki's unglazed tea utensils, celebrated for their tastefulness, offer a tranquil experience for tea ceremony lovers.

Toshinori Munakata, deeply connected to the beautiful nature of his hometown in Aizu, creates ceramics that embody the vitality and energy of the natural world. Utilizing locally sourced clays and plant ash glazes, Munakata's vases capture the essence of his surroundings. The application of greenish blue glazes, layered over white glazes, creates stunning gradations of color, reminiscent of the picturesque scenes found in his native landscape. Munakata's pottery bears the imprint of his sincere connection to nature and the craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Tomoyuki Hoshino is known for his profound introspection and unique artistic vision. One of the notable elements in his work is his deliberate use of the color pink, which holds a deep personal significance for the artist. Hoshino sees pink as a symbol of his inner self, representing vulnerability, sensitivity, and emotional depth. The softness and subtlety of the pink tones create a sense of tenderness and evoke a range of emotions within the viewer. Through his art, he seeks to convey a sense of introspection and evoke a connection with the viewer's own inner world.

Takeshi Imaizumi, inspired by the ceramics of the Southern Song dynasty in China, showcases his mastery of celadon and Tenmoku wares. His works are characterized by sharp, refined forms and delicate glaze tones that shimmer with a mysterious allure. Imaizumi's pursuit of the inherent and essential beauty of pottery is evident in his ice crackle porcelain pieces, where the flowing Tenmoku glaze produces distinct and mesmerizing effects. His relentless dedication and countless experiments have led to the development of his signature style, earning him admiration from experts and enthusiasts alike.

Dialogue Gallery deals in works by young and mid-career Japanese ceramic artists, focused on introducing Japanese ceramic art to the rest of the world and aiming to serve as a gateway for international audiences.

The works Dialogue Gallery introduces display the aesthetic values of Japanese art, including simplicity, naturalness, rusticity, decorativeness, and so forth. These values are seen in Japanese art throughout history.

Ken Ushijima, Director of Dialogue Gallery, carefully curates and selects ceramic artworks created by prospective artists throughout Japan.

Is this your first time to Japan Creative Centre? Follow the map below to Japan Creative Centre now.

Getting to Japan Creative Centre
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372
Tel: +65-6737-0434

By Public Bus:
Bus services: 7, 36, 77, 105, 106, 111, 123, 132, 174, 174E, 502, 502A, 502B (Alight in front of Delfi Orchard)
For latest information on bus routes and fares, please refer to SBS Transit.

By the MRT:
You may also take the MRT to the nearest MRT station, Orchard (NS22).
Train fares, travel times and route maps are available on the SMRT website.

Driving to JCC:
Nearest parking is at Orchard Hotel, Delfi Orchard and Orchard Rendezvous Hotel.