Yoshimi Arts is pleased to present an exhibition by Keigo Kamide of Kamide Choemon-gama, “isolated”.
In Japanese traditional crafts, they have various problems. Now, we cannot help saying that low demand and decrease in the number of craftsmen by the change of life style and the rise of manufactured goods, have spread to the business making tools and materials, and have weakened the traditional crafts industry. Kutaniyaki (Kutani ware), which is one of the traditional crafts in Ishikawa prefecture, is no exception.
Keigo Kamide, who is in his twenties and the sixth Kamide Choemon-gama, has made some approaches and has exhibited works, such as collaboration with companies and designers, and workshop, for the purpose of making Kutaniyaki popular. Because Kamide Choemon-gama is one of the few Kutani pottery which make porcelain consistently from forming to hand-painting, and he have to inherit and keep it.
He was led to the theme of regeneration by the history and the harsh reality of Kutaniyaki, and his position, so he gave the title “isolated” , which means that he considers the source of him and Kutani, to this exhibition. New works, he reconsiders the potential in ware as Kamide Choemon-gama, will be on view.
Image Captions
“The Skull” Candy Jar with Design of Flowers
collection: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
photo: KUTSUNA KOICHIRO