EXHIBITION REPORT
SEIKATSU KOGEI
OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING February 21–August 29, 2020 (closed from March 16 to June 8 due to COVID–19)
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SEIKATSU KOGEI: OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
CONTENTS
EXHIBITION OVERVIEW
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ONLINE CATALOGUE
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
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AUDIENCE & COMMENTS
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FLYERS
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MEDIA COVERAGE
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EXHIBITION OVERVIEW Seikatsu Kogei: Objects for Intentional Living is an exhibition held at The Japan Foundation, Sydney that explored the Japanese craft movement that began in the 1990s known as Seikatsu Kogei, or lifestyle crafts. The exhibition presented some 70 works by 22 currently-active Seikatsu Kogei artists, introducing how the works of Seikatsu Kogei artists re-examine our relationship to the objects in our lives, presented together in Australia for the first time. The objects on display were made from a variety of materials, including wood, ceramics, lacquer, glass, metal, bamboo, paper and clay. The exhibition was initially scheduled to ill run at The Japan Foundation Gallery from February 21 to May 23, 2020, however due to COVID-19, it was closed from March 16 to June 8. During the closure, an online catalogue that included a translation of the Artist Talk held on February 22 was released on the exhibition webpage. The exhibition then reopened on June 9 and was extended to August 29, 2020.
ARTISTS Masanobu Ando, Wataru Hatano, Tomoko Hayashi, Higashi Bamboo Studio, Yukiko Hosokawa, Kamizoe, Masaki Kanamori, Yoshitake Kihira, Masao Kozumi, Ryuji Mitani, Tomoaki Nakano, Yumi Nakamura, Hideto Nakayama, Tetsuya Otani, Akihito Sugita, Yuichi Takemata, Takashi Tomii, Kazushige Tsuchida, Kiyokazu Tsuda, Koichi Uchida, Yoji Yamada, Ryohei Yamamoto
ORGANISED BY The Japan Foundation, Sydney Yurika Sugie, Susan Bui, Simonne Goran, Anne Lee, Aurora Newton
IN COLLABORATION WITH Gallery yamahon
SUPPORTED BY Asahi Premium Beverages CHOYA UMESHU CO., LTD.
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SEIKATSU KOGEI: OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
Tetsuya Otani Bowl
Yukiko Hosokawa Basket
2019
2019
Yumi Nakamura Kettle
Takashi Tomii Small Plate
2020
2019
Masanobu Ando Plate
Ryuji Mitani Butter Case (Half Pound)
2019
2019
IMAGES ©DOCUMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
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SEIKATSU KOGEI: OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
IMAGES ©DOCUMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
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ONLINE CATALOGUE
SEIKATSU KOGEI OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
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SEIKATSU KOGEI: OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
Published on May 13, 2020 120 pages Contents — Introduction — Installation — Works — In conversation with Ryuji Mitani & Tadaomi Yamamoto — Artist Bio — List of Works — Acknowledgement
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PUBLIC PROGRAMS
ARTIST TALK: SEIKATSU KOGEI WITH RYUJI MITANI February 22, 2020 2:30pm–3:30pm VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney SPEAKERS
Ryuji Mitani (Artist) Tadaomi Yamamoto (Gallery yamahon) Visitors deepened their understanding and appreciation of Seikatsu Kogei, or “lifestyle crafts” in this interview with Seikatsu Kogei artist Ryuji Mitani conducted by Tadaomi Yamamoto of Gallery yamahon. Ryuji Mitani provided his perspective on Seikatsu Kogei, background on his works in the Seikatsu Kogei: Objects for Intentional Living exhibition and the beauty of everyday life that informs his practice. After the interview, participants had the opportunity to ask questions.
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KINTSUGI WORKSHOPS: PERFECTION IN IMPERFECTION August 15, 22 & 29, 2020 10am–1pm VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney Participants learned the art of Kintsugi featuring ceramics from Mino, Arita and Australia in three hands-on threehour beginners’ workshops. Foundational techniques of Kintsugi were taught by Yoko Kawada of Art Kintsugi Sydney using modern materials that are easy to source so anyone can apply the technique in their daily life. Participants were then able to bring home their Kintsugi objects and fall in love with their imperfections.
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SERENITY IN JAPANESE LIVING Cancelled due to COVID–19
EVERY DAY A GOOD DAY
WAGASHI: NATURE AND TRADITION IN SWEETS
WAGASHI: NATURE AND TRADITION IN SWEETS (CAC)
April 17, 2020 2:00pm–3:30pm
April 17, 2020 2:00pm–3:30pm
FILM SCREENING
TALK & DEMONSTRATION
TALK & DEMONSTRATION
WAGASHI: NATURE AND TRADITION IN SWEETS (MELB)
EQUINOX FLOWER
April 9, 2020 6:30pm–8:10pm
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
April 23, 2020 6:30pm–8:28pm
April 20, 2020 6:00pm–7:30pm
TALK & DEMONSTRATION
43 Derby Street
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FILM SCREENING
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
SEIKATSU KOGEI: OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
Campbelltown Arts Centre
AUDIENCE SATISFACTION RESULTS
643
30% 21%
tim es
+
tim es
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10 6–
Very Satisfied Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied
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85.2% 9.8% 3.7% 0% 1.2%
tim es
12%
im e
2‚396
37%
2–
TOTAL CATALOGUE VIEWS
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU ATTENDED A JPF SYDNEY EVENT?
1s tt
TOTAL GALLERY VISITORS
COMMENTS SEIKATSU KOGEI OPENING NIGHT
ARTIST TALK BY RYUJI MITANI (SK)
KINTSUGI WORKSHOP (MINO)
“The presence of artist is a real bonus” “More! love what you do”
“I enjoy any insight into Japanese life + culture. Thank you for providing the event today”
“It was an excellent workshop! I’d love to attend more and would be interested in follow-up events.”
SEIKATSU KOGEI EXHIBITION
“Very satisfying interview and well displayed, enough space around items”
“All seemed very well put together and planned. Could see myself attempting this on my own for fun”
“Some brillant artistry. makes me want to return to Japan for the next visit” “Lovely to see handcrafted expertise with materials and design”
KINTSUGI WORKSHOP (AUSTRALIAN)
“Amazing course for a beginner like myself :)” “I love your events!”
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SEIKATSU KOGEI: OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
FEBRUARY 21 - MAY 23, 2020
OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
SEIKATSU KOGEI
FEBRUARY 21 - MAY 23, 2020
OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
SEIKATSU KOGEI
FLYERS
FEBRUARY 21 - MAY 23, 2020
OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING
SEIKATSU KOGEI
SEIKATSU KOGEI
OBJECTS FOR INTENTIONAL LIVING FEBRUARY 21 – MAY 23, 2020 THE JAPAN FOUNDATION GALLERY
FREE ADMISSION
LEVEL 4, CENTRAL PARK BUILDING, 28 BROADWAY, CHIPPENDALE 2008
FOR MORE INFO, VISIT JPF.ORG.AU
The Japan Foundation, Sydney is proud to present Seikatsu Kogei: Objects for Intentional Living, an exhibition that explores the Japanese craft movement Seikatsu Kogei. Also known as lifestyle crafts, the movement began in the 1990s and re-examines our relationship with the objects in our daily lives. From lacquerware to ceramics, glass to bamboo–see over 50 works by 22 currently-active Seikatsu Kogei artists presented together for the first time in Australia.
EVENT PROGRAM
Full event program to follow! GALLERY HOURS Mon–Thu: 10am–8pm* *10am-6pm from April 10–26 Fri: 10am–6pm Sat: 10am–4pm Closed Sundays and Public Holidays (March 20, April 10, 13, 14, 24)
Doors open 30 minutes before event
OPENING RECEPTION February 21, 2020 (Friday) 6:30pm - 8:00pm (doors open at 6pm)
Join us and artist Ryuji Mitani for our first exhibition opening of 2020. ARTIST TALK: SEIKATSU KOGEI WITH RYUJI MITANI February 22, 2020 (Saturday) 2:30pm - 3:30pm (doors open at 2pm)
Learn about the practice of Seikatsu Kogei in everyday life in a conversation with woodworking specialist Ryuji Mitani. Free, limited capacity. No bookings required.
Cover image: Ryuji Mitani, Pitcher “HAKUBOKU”, cherry tree, lacquer, 2019 © Image courtesy of Ryuji Mitani
Presented by
As part of
Event partners
In collaboration with
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MEDIA COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS
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