8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery is pleased to present a group exhibition of eight ceramic artists.The exhibition will showcase the richness and depth of ceramic art through these artists who all explore different expressions and techniques, in each way following the long history of ceramic art to its conclusion and beyond.

Born in 1976, Yuko Okazaki studied under ceramic artist Eiichi Morita after working at ISSEY MIYAKE INC.. Currently working in Yokosuka at her own studio, surrounded by the rich environment of the sea and mountains,she creates works that are grounded in everyday life with motifs such as dragonfly by using her characteristic white glaze.

Also born in 1976, Kentaro Kawabata built his own kiln in Gifu in 2001. He was awarded the grand prix from the Paramita Museum Ceramic Award. His sculptural works with bold and unique forms covered by glaze capture the viewers’ attention and physical sensations. He will hold a solo exhibition in November with 8/ ART GALLERY/ Tomio Koyama Gallery.

Working in Gifu as well, Takuro Kuwata was born in 1981. He is receiving more recognition internationally such as in New York and Brussels for his original works with vivid colors that develop “sceneries” such as “Kairagi” and “Ishihaze” that have been admired in the history of ceramic art. Next year, he will have a solo exhibition in London.

Kenji Gomi was born in 1978 and is fascinated by the process of firing. After graduating from Waseda University, he studied “Tsuboya-yaki” in Okinawa. The shapes of his works are the result of choosing the most suitable shape from the viewpoint of firing.

Adam Silverman, only one international artist in the exhibition, was born in 1963. He was a studio director of Heath Ceramics from 2008 until 2014. He lives and works in Los Angeles. He is also interested in Japanese “Mingei”, or folk-art. Silverman’s work is characterized by a sense of nature being abstracted, as evoked by its lava-like textures.

Born in 1977, Taro Tabuchi built a wood-fired kiln in his birthplace Kagawa in 2007 and has produced porcelain works. Within a history in which artists sought to create ever-whiter porcelain, Tabuchi’s porcelain embraces the colors given by fire in its sophisticated forms.

Born in 1977, Akio Niisato studied at Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center as Kawabata and Kuwata did, after belonging to a ceramic club at Waseda University. He built his kiln in Gifu. His technique of making holes and applying clear glaze on white porcelain is called “Hotarude” and embraces sophisticated and noble feelings.

With the longest career of working in ceramics within this group, Masaya Yoshimura was born in 1938 and built his kiln in Kasama, called the “Nazuna” kiln. His original blue-white textured work looks dignified and is admired and used by collectors all over the world. His work is also included in public collections such as that of the British Museum.