SHIRO TSUJIMURA
Solo Exhibition
September 9, 2023 - January 29, 2024
We are delighted to announce a highly anticipated exhibition at THE GALLERY from September 9th. It features the unique and exquisite world of Shiro Tsujimura, a giant of contemporary Japanese pottery and a living legend in ceramic art. Tsujimura’s practice defies conventional modes of expression in his genre. He is entirely self-taught and although his creations rely on historic techniques found in traditional Japanese and Korean styles, his independent streak defines his practice with a sense of freedom, playfulness, and above all else, self-confidence. All his creations are pure and spiritual, and the passing of time and the art of imperfection play an important role. This show marks the artist’s first return to New York City after a decade and is the most comprehensive survey of his major works to date.
For this exhibition, THE GALLERY has transformed into a ‘forest within the city’: an homage to Tsujimura’s home in majestic Nara, where he has built a teahouse and seven kilns over the years. Guests are transported to a magical forest landscape forming the context for Tsujimura’s celebrated creations. The exhibition is established in association with the acclaimed Yoshii Gallery, New York.
About the Artist
Shiro Tsujimura
Born in 1947 in Nara Prefecture in Japan, Shiro Tsujimura began his artistic career studying oil painting; however, he became attracted to a tea bowl he saw at the Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Nihon Mingeikan) and soon embarked on the journey of ceramic arts. Today, he is widely known as a master of pottery. His ceramic works reflect a distinct creativity, uniqueness, and sophistication, centering on themes of ‘returning to nature’ and ‘unification with nature.’
Between 1966 and 1968, Tsujimura lived at the Sanshoji Zen Temple in Nara. In 1970, he began construction on his house, atelier, and seven kilns. His first exhibition of works at his home was in 1977. As he often fashions works that have practical uses, such as tea bowls or plates used in his home, Tsujimura clearly captures the profound and fundamental link between his natural environment and his own artistic expression. He currently resides in Mima in Nara.
One of the leading ceramic artists in Japan, Shiro Tsujimura’s works have been celebrated and showcased in group and solo exhibitions worldwide. His pieces are held in the permanent collections of many respected institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum, New York; the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.; the Art Institute of Chicago; the Cleveland Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the British Museum, London; and the Stockholm Museum of Art; among others.