AI KOWADA GALLERY is pleased to present recent work by three budding craftsmen, Kei Ogawa(b.1988), Kousuke Kato(b.1988), and Ryosuke Shiomi(b.1989), respectively working in the media of lacquer, metal and hammering. The show will be the second in the exhibition series titled kougei project that AI KOWADA GALLERY started last year to present work by young and emerging craftsmen who are both keen on the acquirement of traditional skills and the realization of their own original concepts for expression.

Ogawa creates the monochromatic objects of curvilinear abstract shapes with the dry lacquer technique, a technique that dates back to seventh century Japan. Despite their calm appearances, her pieces boldly experiment with the novel process that allows the deformation of the form resulting from the contraction of the lacquer that occurs in the course of drying. Through this unusual method, Ogawa attempts to visualize aspects of environmental influences on the medium of lacquer, thereby accentuating its presence as matter in the world that it exists.

Kato's three dimensional metal work is characterized by its surface pattern resembling that of wood grain or cross sections of ores. Although the pattern appears as if it evolved out of a natural process, Kato actually conceived it through a novel procedure that he invented by combining several different metal-working techniques. The artist has also produced an impression-print showing this special pattern.

Shiomi who majors in hammering, employs his full potential as a craftsman to meticulously fabricate the objects modeling the form of traditional Japanese warriors' armors. Made actually wearable, the armors' are with a mask which has been hammered into the form of a human skull or an eagle head, the mythical images that inspire awe in us.

Their arts, stamped with the proof of authentic craftsmanship and the mark of true originality are sure to delight　the fans of contemporary art and the connoisseurs of traditional crafts alike.

Kei OGAWA

Born in 1988, Hiroshima Prefecture.
2012 Graduated from Hiroshima City University.
2014 Acquired Master of Fine Arts from Hiroshima City University.

Awards
2012　Honorable Mention,"The Ishikawa International Urusei Exhibition", Kanazawa
2013　First Prize, "The Next Generation of Craftsmen",Kyoto City Museum, Annex, Kyoto.

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Kousuke KATO

Born in 1988, Kanagawa Prefecture.
2010　Graduated from Department of Visual Arts, College of Arts, Tamagawa University
2013　Acquired Master of Fine Arts from Hiroshima City University.

Awards-selected
2013　Yuuji Akimbo Award (Director, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa),
"The Next Generation of Craftsmen", Kyoto City Museum, Annex, Kyoto.
2012　The Hiroshima Mayor's Prize, "Hiroshima KAZARU Show", Rai Sanyo Shiseki Museum, Hiroshima.
2010　Five Star Award, "Graduation Show" Tamagawa University Museum of Education,Tokyo.
2009　Selected, The 38th Japan Traditional Metal Works Exhibition,Tokyo　

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Ryosuke SHIOMI

Born in 1989, Osaka Prefecture.
2014　Graduated from Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.
April 2014 to date.　Master of Fine Arts, Department of Crafts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts.

Awards
2015　First Prize,"The Next Generation of Craftsmen" , Kyoto City Museum, Annex, Kyoto.
2014　Mitsubishi Estate Award, Graduation Works Exhibition, Tokyo University of the Arts, Tokyo.
2014　Ai Kowada Award, "The Next Generation of Craftsmen"Kyoto City Museum, Annex, Kyoto.
2013　Fujino Prize,Tokyo