3 - 17 September 2016

Japan Creative Centre (JCC)

The Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan is proud to present Memories in Clay: Mindscape, a ceramic exhibition by Mr Ken Mihara. The inspirational works created by one of the frontrunners of contemporary Japanese ceramics, emit the essence of wabi-sabi (a Japanese aesthetic focusing on the acceptance of transience and imperfection). It is no wonder that his timeless pieces have captivated a global audience. There will also be a dialogue session with the artist, joined by local award-winning Dr Iskandar Jalil, and Singapore Art Museum curator, Mr Clement Onn.

About the Artist

Born in 1958, Mr Ken Mihara grew up surrounded by the majestic nature of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Izumo is also steeped deeply in the mysticisms of ancient Shinto lore. Despite dramatically changing styles over the years, Mr Ken Mihara’s works remain heavily influenced by the natural and mythical aspects of his hometown.

However, his solemn stoneware creations are far more than odes to nature. Rather, his works are a window into the artist’s soul and the tangible self-expressions that capture the Ken Mihara of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Mr Ken Mihara has previously held consecutive sold-out exhibitions in Tokyo and New York since 2008, and with acquisitions by leading institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.

About the Exhibition

The aesthetic qualities of Mr Ken Mihara’s work can be described as serene and sublime. Without the use of glaze, the natural landscapes of his high-fired stoneware facades are borne through multiple, lengthy and difficult kiln-firings. Each firing reveals a new element to the work’s clay flavour, which helps to 'unlock the memories trapped within clay'.

Regardless of the change in the physical appearance of his work every three to four years, every hand-coiled creation is instantly recognisable as Mr Ken Mihara’s. The immediate appeal of his clay flavour, the trademark shades of blue and grey, the way his bases are elevated and executed with absolute precision, the seemingly classical, time-tested presence that brims from his minimal silhouettes, remain unchanged throughout the years. Ultimately, Mr Ken Mihara is inseparable from Izumo and clay.

Exhibition Period

Exhibition Period:

3 - 17 September 2016

Opening Hours:

Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Closed on Sundays, Mondays & 13 September

Venue:

Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372

Admission:

FREE

Register for the Dialogue Session

Dr Iskandar Jalil is a renowned Singaporean ceramist, whose numerous accolades include the Cultural Medallion in 1988, the Public Service Star in 2012, and the recent Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2015. Mr Clement Onn is a curator, Cross-Culture, at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Together with Mr Ken Mihara, they will share their insights on the cross-cultural similarities and differences between Singapore and Japan through pottery.

Date:

Saturday, 3 September 2016

Time:

11:00am - 12:00pm
(Registration starts 10:30am)

Venue:

Japan Creative Centre (JCC), Embassy of Japan in Singapore
4 Nassim Road Singapore 258372

Admission:

FREE

To register for the workshop, please email the following details to jcc@sn.mofa.go.jp with the subject Cultural Exchange between Singapore and Japan through pottery:

1. Full Name
2. Number of persons (including yourself)
3. Organisation
4. Mobile Number

Please register early to avoid disappointment. We regret that as there is limited seating, seats will be confirmed only upon receipt of confirmation email from JCC. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

Where is Japan Creative Centre (JCC)?

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 Parade Hotel.