#Japan #Tokyo #Touching Pottery #UEDA Kana #OI Yasuhiro

'Touching Pottery' Exhibition

The much-anticipated exhibition titled 'Touching Pottery' will take place at the Shibuya Park Lane Gallery in Tokyo from February 14 to May 10, 2026. This event aims to spotlight the creative contributions of seven artists involved with four domestic welfare facilities, showcasing their distinct ceramic creations through the lens of 'interaction with clay' and 'interaction with people.' Alongside an array of unique ceramic artworks, visitors can also look forward to exclusive video screenings and live-making sessions by the participating artists.

Exhibition Highlights

1. A Diverse Collection of Ceramic Artworks
The exhibition features 62 pieces from five creators who work in welfare facility studios, complemented by the support of two professional ceramicists. This collection comprises 57 ceramic pieces and five paintings, presenting a variety of functional and artistic forms ranging from vases and urns to sculptural representations of Ganesha and various animals. This diversity not only enriches the viewer's perspective but also emphasizes the personal narratives behind each artwork.

2. Exclusive Video Insights
A special video, crafted for this exhibition, will be presented, capturing interviews with the creators and their supporters, alongside the creative process for selected works. This exclusive content will reveal the inspiration and connections nurtured through the medium of ceramic art, accessible only during the exhibition period.

3. Live Demonstrations and Interactive Displays
Attendees will have a rare opportunity to witness a live-making session by artist Kana Ueda on March 29, 2026, from 14:00 to 17:00, taking place in the gallery's communal space. Ueda’s work utilizes the inlay technique, creating intricate textures on her ceramic pieces. Additionally, visitors can engage with tactile exhibits, featuring touchable works by both Ueda and artist Yohei Yoshinari. Artist talks will further enrich the interaction, providing deeper insights into their artistic journeys.

Featured Artists

• - Kana Ueda

Born in 1992, Ueda graduated from Musashino Art University in 2015, and her work reflects natural phenomena through the serendipitous textures obtained by impressing lines and dots into clay. Alongside her individual craft, she collaborates with individuals from welfare facilities, creating both paintings and ceramics, and has exhibited in events such as 'Stone Viewing' in 2024.

• - Yasuhiro Oi

A member of the Koru Village in Shiga Prefecture, Oi (born 1983) creates collages and ceramics, using stacked clay pieces to depict figures like Ganesha and wild boars, reimagining motifs into unique forms. His notable exhibitions include 'HELLO Awakening' in 2017.

• - Mayumi Shichiri

Graduating from the Kyoto University of Art and Design in 2007, Shichiri (born 1985) centers her work on ceramic pieces inspired by ancient pottery and bronze artifacts. She plays a key role in guiding artistic endeavors within a welfare support facility.

• - Miho Tsuchihashi

(Born in 1971) Tsuchihashi produces ceramics and soft toys at the 8-18 welfare center. She creates animal motifs, capturing their essence while providing storytelling elements in her works.

• - Taeko Nishimura

(1963-2024) Nishimura’s work involved dialoguing with clay through gestures. Her legacy showcases the physical engagement with materials, culminating in her recent show 'Clay Room of Nanzan Castle in 2023.

• - Yoshiaki Yatsumimi

(1981-2024) Despite being completely blind, Yatsumimi deftly created ceramics by relying on touch. His work reflects an intimate collaboration with his medium, represented in exhibitions such as 'Yamabiko Exhibition in 2024.

• - Yohei Yoshinari

Yoshinari, born in 1986, employs a layering technique in ceramics, mirroring the dynamic movements of waves, with works often named after his spontaneous expressions of joy. His recent exhibition was the 'Art to You! in Sendai, 2024.

Details of the Exhibition

• - Name: Touching Pottery
• - Duration: February 14 – May 10, 2026
• - Opening Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
• - Closed on: Mondays (open on February 23 and May 4); February 24, May 7
• - Location: Shibuya Park Lane Gallery Exhibition Rooms 1 & 2, Communal Space

(1F Shibuya City Labor Welfare Center, 1-19-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

• - Admission: Free
• - Main Organizer: Shibuya Park Lane Gallery (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)
• - Exhibition Website: Touching Pottery

This exhibition not only presents a rich tapestry of artistic creativity but also advocates for the understanding and appreciation of diversity through art. Join us in celebrating these unique creations and the connections they foster within the community.