Osamu Saruyama's "New Work for Saruyama"

We would like to share a comment from Mr. Saruyama regarding the exhibition.

“Those familiar with Mr. Kankawa’s and my work might find this a curious pairing. Until now, my collaborations have primarily been with artisans capable of mass production, even if they were individual craftspeople. Mr. Kankawa, on the other hand, creates unique pieces fired in wood, oil, or gas kilns, working in close dialogue with the flames.”

This series comprises nine types of items, including tableware and lampshades, in 27 variations combining three types of clay and glazes: kohiki and biwa using clay from Hiroshima, where his studio is located, and a jet-black glaze with Koishiwara clay from his training grounds. Based on forms arrived at through two years of trial and error, a collection of generously finished pieces, characteristic of his broad artistic range, is presented.

“I would be honored if you could experience this ‘New Work for Saruyama,’” he says. This project, distinct from previous design endeavors, highlights a product born from a deep engagement with the artist and a shared creative process.

The Taste of "Ogura Coffee" Born from an Unexpected Pairing

Chinatsu Yamamoto of Gallery Yamamoto, where the exhibition will be held from June 27th, also shared her insights into the exhibition's appeal.

“There are unexpected pairings in the world. When I first encountered one, I felt a slight dizziness. I believe it was called ‘Ogura Coffee’ at a certain coffee shop in Gunma Prefecture. There was no photo on the menu, so I had to ask the staff.”

“As I started to ask, ‘What is Ogura Coffee…?,’ the staff member began to write it on the order slip, so I quickly added, ‘Ah, could you tell me what Ogura Coffee is?’ They explained, ‘It’s coffee jelly topped with sweet red bean paste.’ Why combine them? Why not eat them separately? But there must be a reason for pairing them. Driven by curiosity, I ended up ordering it.”

“One bite revealed a superb balance between the sweetness of the red bean paste and the bitterness of the coffee – it was incredibly delicious. A flavor that seemed like it should exist, but didn’t. They enhance each other. This is synergy. I believe the encounter between a creator and a designer should be just like this,” Ms. Yamamoto shared.

An unexpected combination born from a chance encounter, and a unique exhibition refined through trial and error. A harmonious relationship that seemed unlikely, yet exists, offers a novel experience to its viewers.



“Yoshio Kankawa + Osamu Saruyama “series of ceramic works”” Exhibition
Venues: Successively held at “Saruyama” and “Gallery Yamamoto”

Saruyama
Exhibition Dates: Until Sunday, June 21, 2015
Opening Hours: 13:00–18:00
Wako Mansion 101, 3-12-46 Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3401-5935
http://guillemets.net/
http://www.facebook.com/guillemets.layout.studio.saruyama

Gallery Yamamoto
Exhibition Dates: Saturday, June 27 – Sunday, July 5
Opening Hours: 11:00–17:00
786-2 Minamiakatsuka, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi
Tel. 0280-56-2444
http://gyamamoto.exblog.jp/