Takuro Kuwata’s works draw us to the vivid colors. It is almost surprising that they are ceramic works. “I want to create joyful and fun works, by making the most use of characteristics of the materials.” As his simple statement suggests, his works add pleasant colors to our daily lives. At the same time, the series of tea pots with unique glaze of “Kairagi” (cracks of glaze created by being baked) has charged atmospheres as the thick glaze of “Choseki-yu” or “Shino-yu is partly coming off. On the other hand, another series of white porcelain with vibrant colors and sophisticated form has both elements of product design and the touch of handwork and materials themselves. In his solo exhibition at Tomio Koyama Gallery in 2010, Kuwata exhibited bold sculptural works, whose vivid materiality, humor and intensity impressed the viewers. Recently he has attracted more attention internationally. Equipped with distinguished skills and the rich history of ceramic, Kuwata applies his contemporary sensitivity, both sharp and simple. His adventurous explorations in ceramic expressions keep intriguing us.
Concept
“Hun-pun”, which refers to the state of plants and flowers sending off pleasant aromas, and “joyful and fun”, are Kuwata’s basic themes. In addition to them, this exhibition features playful ceramic and sculptural works; “Kairagi” whch is described above, and “Ishihaze”, a technique involves baking stones mixed in the body. Kuwata, with increasing energy for creating, has stated, “I would like to create as various works as possible”.
About the Artist
Takuro Kuwata was born in 1981 in Hiroshima. He graduated from Kyoto Saga Art College, Department of Fine Arts, Ceramic Arts in 2001, and started studying under a ceramic artist Susumu Zaima in 2002. He also studied at Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center until 2007. Kuwata currently lives and works in Toki city, Gifu.
He has been awarded many prizes including at Asahi Modern Craft Exhibition (06 - 09), Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition (07, 08), Idemitsu Triennnale (06), Oribe Design Craft Exhibition (07), International Ceramic Festival Mino (08), Tachikichi Craft Competition (04), Tableware Festival (06 - 09), Nagasaki Ceramics Competition (06), The Japan Crafts Exhibition (06), Mashiko Ceramic Exhibition (04, 06, 08), and Yokkaichi Banko-Yaki Sogo Competition (06). He also won the grand prix and the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry award at the 17th Tableware Festival in 2009. He has held many exhibitions including at Kuroda Touen (08, 09, and 10). He participated in a group exhibition “Paul Clay” at Salon 94 (New York) from June 23rd to August 12th. This is his third solo exhibition at Tomio Koyama Gallery since 2009 and 2010.
