PRESS RELEASE November 7th, 2016
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, in cooperation with Consulate – General of Japan in HCMC proudly present a travelling exhibition “Japanese Pottery: The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns” from 18 November to 4 December, 2016 at Vietnam Fine Art Museum, 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi.
The ceramic arts flourish in Japan as in few other countries. Not only is this countryhome to an immense number of potters and ceramic artists, it also has a large populationhighly knowledgeable about and appreciative of pottery. Perhaps it is the distinctfour seasons, the mild climate, and diverse terrain that have given Japanese a specialaffection for utensils made from earth or clay, a basic natural material. With this broadsupport base, Japanese pottery displays amazing variety. In addition to the commercialproduction of pottery-making for practical, daily use, individual artists pursue originalwork of tremendous variety. Some make mainly vessels for practical use, others combinecreativity with use of traditional techniques and shapes; still others, unconcerned withpracticality, seek new and experimental forms with clay. From among the works ofthese individual artists, we have selected for this exhibition examples of various kindsof vessels that we believe concretely illustrate the character of Japanese ceramics today,suggesting their quest for something really new. These works are mostly by artists ofthe up-and-coming generation in the world of Japanese pottery whose work has beendrawing increasing attention in recent years.
"Japanese Pottery - The Rising Generation from Traditional Japanese Kilns" introducesthe works of a total of 35 artists active in seven major traditional kiln sites in Japan.They differ in orientation, including some who carry on long traditions of potteryproduction while pursuing ever-richer standards in their craft and others who seek tocreate individualistic works exploring new forms. All are promising artists who will beleaders of the next generation in the ceramic arts in Japan. The theme of the exhibitionthis time focuses on "vessels," endeavoring to show how ceramic artists understand thefunction of vessels, the better to understand the present situation, and the future, ofJapanese pottery.
Free of admission.
For inquiries on the exhibition, please contact at:
Ms. Nha (Ext. 115) / Mr. Kawai (Ext. 109)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam TEL 04-3944-7419
■ Exhibition information:
Organized by:The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
Curated by: Masami Shiraishi
Hanoi
Opening:9:30 – Friday 18 November, 2016
Duration:Friday 18 November – Sunday 4 December, 2016
[Opening hours] 8:30 – 16:45, no closed days]
Venue:Vietnam Fine Arts Museum
66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi