Once again this year, we are pleased to present a solo exhibition by Yu Sugimoto.
Alongside the Shigaraki for which he is well known, this exhibition will feature his White Shigaraki, fired in an electric kiln. Shigaraki is generally understood as a type of pottery fired in wood-fired kilns such as anagama and climbing kilns, prized for the natural surface effects created by fire and wood ash and for the rustic character of its coarse clay. This White Shigaraki takes an entirely different approach. It is fired pure white in an electric kiln, where neither ash nor flames are present, deliberately eliminating surface effects as much as possible. What remains is simply the coarse character of Shigaraki clay, giving it something of the air of Rambo without his weapons.
Anyone with even a little knowledge of ceramics will probably be familiar with the idea, not only in Shigaraki, that coarse clay should be accompanied by wild, dramatic surface effects. White Shigaraki therefore looks decidedly unusual. And that is precisely what makes it interesting. It also makes food look fantastic! Combining the tactile character of stoneware with the versatility of white porcelain, it is a super-ultra-hybrid ware. There is nothing particularly difficult about the technique itself, but perhaps it is an idea that could only emerge by stepping outside the conventional context described above. A small but fascinating discovery.
A work of art is the embodiment of an idea. This exhibition will present new tea ware, flower vessels, sake ware, and tableware in both Shigaraki, thoroughly fired in an anagama, and White Shigaraki. We warmly invite you to visit!
