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Evolution of Metal Works III

Wako, a prestigious establishment in Ginza, Tokyo, is set to present its third exhibition, 'Evolution of Metal Works III,' from May 22 to June 1. This event highlights the exceptional creativity of six emerging metal artisans, each with a unique perspective on the world of metal craftsmanship.

The exhibition promises to captivate visitors with a rich array of pieces that display masterful skills and innovative designs. The six featured artists include:

• - Kensaku Aihara: Utilizing advanced techniques in metalworking, Aihara poetically portrays nature, specifically scenes featuring insects, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of their forms.
• - Kosuke Kato: He creates stunning worlds through his handcrafted Damascus steel, featuring striking wave patterns and meticulous shapes, transforming metal into visual poetry.
• - Keiko Kume: Known for her delicate approach, Kume produces intricate assemblies that evoke life's essence and the cosmos using piercing and soldering techniques.
• - Naoki Sakai: Merging the spirit of wabi-sabi synonymous with tea ceremonies, Sakai presents modern interpretations of traditional aesthetics in his works.
• - Haruho Mitsuta: His expertise in creating fully articulated insect figures facilitates lifelike sculptures that echo the natural world.
• - Kengo Takahashi: Newly added to the ensemble, Takahashi explores themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence in his creations.

Celebrating eight years of artistic collaboration, 'Evolution of Metal Works III' aims to reveal the diverse allure of metal craftsmanship while highlighting the time-honored techniques that continue to evolve through the artistry of these six talented individuals.

Gallery Talk Details

During the exhibition, a special gallery talk will be held on May 24 at 14:00. The session will feature the exhibiting artists and will be moderated by Yuko Kawakita, a curator from the Panasonic Shiodome Museum. Please be advised that during peak hours, entry may be limited to ensure a quality experience for attendees.

Featured Works and Artists

Naoki Sakai

• - Chroma: A captivating box featuring intricate metal inlay, dimensions 32×9×10 cm.

Artist Biography

Born in 1973 in Gunma Prefecture, Sakai completed his doctoral studies at the Tokyo University of the Arts. After years of apprenticeship under National Living Treasure Ei Nakagawa, he became an active contributor to contemporary metal arts, currently serving as an associate professor at Tohoku University of Art and Design.

Haruho Mitsuta

• - Flower Funeral - Goat: A thought-provoking piece measuring 29×37×17 cm.

Artist Biography

Mitsuta, born in Tottori Prefecture in 1980, has garnered acclaim for his hyper-realistic sculptures. Following his graduate studies, he has held numerous exhibitions nationally and internationally, continually pushing the boundaries of metal art.

Kensaku Aihara

• - Swaying Thoughts: A sculpture dimensioned at 50×68×99 cm.

Artist Biography

Aihara, hailing from Tokyo, won the prestigious Freshwater Prince Award in 2010 and has been recognized in various contemporary art exhibitions across Japan and internationally.

Kosuke Kato

• - Cube: A stunning dimensional piece measuring 128×8×8 cm.

Artist Biography

Kato, born in 1988 in Kanagawa Prefecture, has made a mark on the contemporary art scene with his innovative approach, receiving accolades for his unique creations.

Keiko Kume

• - Wonders: An introspective array of forms with dimensions 97-218×18×16.5 cm.

Artist Biography

Kume has focused her craft on capturing organic forms, having graduated from Kanazawa College of Art and continuously expanding her artistic vocabulary.

Additional Information

Event: 'Evolution of Metal Works III'
Date: May 22 - June 1, 2023
Location: Seiko House Hall, 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Inquiries: 03-3562-2111 (main line)
Hours: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm (17:00 on final day)
Admission: Free entry
Organizer: Wako

Please note that Wako Hall has changed its name to Seiko House Hall to focus on an array of exhibitions related to Seiko Group ventures and collaborations with artists worldwide. For more details, visit our official website. Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates on exhibitions and events.