We are delighted to present a two-person exhibition by Yasumoto Kajihara and Aiko Watanabe.And I am very, very happy about it.
The two artists work with quite different ceramic techniques, yet I feel there is a strong connection between them.Whatever form they create, it somehow feels natural.You may well ask, “What exactly is a natural form?” Here, I mean forms that seem to follow the same underlying principles found in things that emerge naturally—flowers, insects, and other forms of life.Natural forms simply feel good. We accept them instinctively, without resistance, and above all, we find them beautiful.I believe both Kajihara and Watanabe possess this sensibility: the ability to give clay a natural form suited both to its intended use and to the particular character of the ceramic material, and then to bring that form through the firing.
In planning this exhibition, we considered asking the two artists to do something outside their usual practice, such as exchanging clay and working with each other’s materials. In the end, however, we came to the conclusion that the most interesting thing of all would simply be to see their usual work together, at the same time, in the same space.I would like to use this opportunity to explore for myself the true nature of the natural beauty that I sense in the work of both artists.There is a certain amount of personal curiosity involved here, of course—but I promise I will do some work as well.
The exhibition will feature an outstanding selection of tea wares, flower vessels, sake wares, and tableware.We very much hope you will come and see the exhibition.
