Realization of Form: Masterworks of Japanese Bamboo Art

Realization of Form | March 15-24 Masterworks of Japanese Bamboo Art

Asia Week New York 2018 Exhibiting at Jason Jacques Gallery 29 East 73rd St. #1 | New York, NY 10021

Nagakura Kenichi Ring of Water, 2016, 33 x 35 x 14 in.

For me, bamboo is what pigment is for a painter or stone is for a sculptor. Discovering their true medium is a profound pleasure for an artist. When the sensitivities of both artist and the material are in synch, the medium becomes the voice, flesh, and heart of the artist.

Nagakura Kenichi

REALIZATION OF FORM: MASTERWORKS OF JAPANESE BAMBOO ART

How beautiful bamboo is in nature...How fortunate when we are able to create a new life with this material; it may be called a work of art. How sinful we are when our efforts end in a piece of wasted bamboo. Never forget the devout prayers and thankfulness to bamboo. Through our hands a new life shall be realized if we are worthy to be called artists.

Shono Shounsai

Bamboo art is material specific, and the forms realized owe as much to the natural qualities of bamboo as they do to the will of the artist. Our exhibition explores the relationship between artists and their chosen medium. Monozukuri is a term often used

by Japanese artists and craftsmen. It could be described as ‘the process of creating an object in harmony with the medium through pride of workmanship.’ The literal translation is ‘making things,’ but the closest English equivalent is ‘craftsmanship.’

However, the English term emphasizes the person and their skill or craft. Monozukuri focuses upon the process of bringing a thing into being. The creator, their skill, their feelings, materials, and tools all become part of this creation.

Bamboo artists usually begin a work with one of two things: a piece of bamboo or an idea. In the first approach, you have a choice culm of bamboo which you have been saving for the right project. You have thought through many possible ideas to make the very best use out of the material. Eventually you think of a basket or sculpture that will enhance the natural beauty of this material and showcase the unique qualities that this bamboo possesses.

In the other approach, you have a clear vision of what you would like to create. Now you must go through the difficulty of finding material suitable for the project. The bamboo you are looking for must possess a certain diameter, minimum length between nodes, the right balance of strength and pliability, etc. The project starts when you find the ‘perfect’ material.

Whatever approach the bamboo artist takes, they must understand bamboo very well to make the proper match between medium and idea. The physical work of creation is a conversation between the artist and the bamboo. Every culm of bamboo is different, and constant adjustments are necessary to achieve a consistent result. With experience, the artist learns to listen to bamboo and to allow its unique character to influence and improve the work they are creating together.

Koichi Okada

Honma Hideaki Sign of Wind VI, 33 x 14 x 30.5 in.

Tanaka Kosai Kusudama Basket, 1986, 11.5 x 12.5 x 11.5 in.

Suemura Shobun Untitled, 1971, 8.5 x 19 x 19 in.

Yamaguchi Ryuun Bamboo Vessel, 2017, 11.5 x 28.5 x 19.5 in.

Front: Monden Kogyoku Chidori-Plaited Basket, 1950s to 60s, 13 x 11 x 11 in.

Gathered Threads, late 1970s to early 80s, 12.5 x 20 x 18 in.

TAI Modern has been the world’s premier gallery for contemporary Japanese bamboo art for 20 years. The gallery represents more than 35 Japanese bamboo artists, as well as select American artists working in a variety of media. The focus of the gallery is to represent, exhibit and promote its artists by mounting exhibitions, presenting works at art fairs, publishing catalogues and educating the public.

1601 Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 505.984.1387 taimodern.com