2024.9.14sat - 10.20 sun

TOYAMAKANAZAWA

ARTISTS

Akagi Akito & Otani Momoko

  • EXHIBITION
  • EVENT

01/4

[Past work] Akagi Akito, Chikyu Lacquered Bowl, Japanese zelkova and lacquer. Photo: Uehara Miwa

[Past work] Akagi Akito, Shohoji Lacquered Bowl, Japanese zelkova, washi paper and lacquer. Photo: Uehara Miwa

[Past work] Otani Momoko, Installation view from solo exhibition at Qibao Gallery, China, 2023. Photo: Wen Siwei, courtesy of Qibao Gallery.

[Past work] Otani Momoko, Installation view from Otani Momoko Planters at Truck Furniture, Osaka, 2024.

Akagi uses traditional lacquer techniques to create simple, refined designs as he pursues new ways of integrating lacquerware into daily life. Born into a family of potters, Otani uses traditional techniques and materials while producing new expressions in Shigaraki ware through natural motifs from Southeast Asia. This year at the Kai venue in the Higashiyama Area, they will exhibit Akagi’s lacquerware and Otani’s painted lotuses under the theme “With the many artisans that came before,” primarily focusing on historical materials Akagi collected on Wajima lacquer (Wajima-nuri). The exhibition traces the history and trajectory of Wajima lacquer, which was traditionally divided between multiple craftspeople. It further expresses Akagi’s desire to rebuild local industries after a devastating earthquake in January.

EXHIBITION

HIGASHIYAMA AREA

H-1|Kai

EVENT

Noto Chestnut Delicacies Served on Stunning Noto Lacquerware

H-9|Waguri Shiratsuyu

PROFILE

Akagi Akito

b. 1962 in Okayama Prefecture. Akagi graduated from Chuo University with a degree in philosophy. After working as an editor, he moved to Wajima in 1988. He apprenticed under Okamoto Susumu, a lacquerware artist specializing in base layers of Wajima lacquerware (Wajima-nuri). Akagi launched his independent career in 1994. Since then, he has continued creating lacquerware in Wajima while holding solo exhibitions nationwide. In addition to his work as a lacquerware artist, Akagi has written professionally for over twenty years. In 2024, he published What Is Kogei? (co-authored by Horihata Hiroyuki, published by Sekkou Stillmind).

Photo: Otani Tetsuya

Otani Momoko

b. 1971 in Kyoto. Otani graduated with a degree in Asian studies from University of Oregon in 1995. While enrolled, she studied abroad in Indonesia where she first encountered tropical plants. The powerful life force they emanate left a strong impression on her. In 1999, she graduated from the Shigaraki Ceramic Research Institute. Since then, she has produced ceramics featuring banana leaves and lotuses painted over a white slip. Otani and her husband Otani Testuya jointly founded the Otani Pottery Studio in 2008, from which they participate in exhibitions and events nationwide. Since 2011, Otani has exhibited her works internationally as well, including the United States, Australia, China, and Taiwan. Past awards include the Shumei Culture Foundation Prize (2019).