Akiko Horiuchi
Eiji Uematsu
The Moon, Dango and Playing in the Mud
November 2 (Thu) - December 17 (Sun), 2023
迎える Hi., 2023
©︎ Eiji Uematsu
Photography: Koji Honda
Gallery 38 is pleased to present ' The Moon, Dango and Playing in the Mud', an exhibition of new works by Eiji Uematsu.
*Dango…mud ball
Uematsu started his career around 1980 and has consistently derived the wellspring of his creativity from sincere dialogues with the soil and nature, with his base located in Iga, Mie Prefecture. He describes his creative process as an interaction with the earth before any form of expression, emphasizing the importance of not overexpress himself. He conducts his work amid the rich natural surroundings of Iga, where he keenly observes the changing seasons. Regarding the theme of his new work, which he defines as "daily life, nature, and 'earth and fire'," his approach remains unwavering and deeply fundamental.
The increasing importance of his works may be linked to the significant changes in modern life experienced by us, the viewers. Words like the stars, earth, and fire often appearing in his work represent the forces of nature that transcend human power. In comparison, our human activities and lifestyles have been rapidly changing in recent years, and it seems we are moving further away from nature.
Within this accelerating pace of life, there are moments when our humanity becomes obscured, and it feels like his works are prompting us to ponder this. Uematsu describes his own current state as "vaguely, in the middle of a stroll." However, it cannot be denied that this leisurely wandering is precisely what we need in our current lives.
" When I was a child, I often chased the moon and ran. Now I am looking at the November moon quietly. "
His works provide us with an opportunity to contemplate the power that comes from the quiet act of looking at the moon, feeling the earth at our feet, and touching it.
Uematsu has been exhibiting in the fields of contemporary art and contemporary ceramics for a long time, and in recent years, his international recognition has further grown, highlighted by solo exhibitions at Gallery 38 booth at the prestigious international art events like Frieze New York, one of the world's top art fairs. This exhibition at Gallery 38 marks his seventh solo exhibition in this venue, and the gallery serves as a significant platform for showcasing his work.
Encounters with people during exhibitions are transient moments of that day. Those whom Uematsu has met and the inspiration came from those encounters within the space of Gallery 38 have played a substantial role in shaping the forms of his recent creations. We invite you to view these precious new works, offering a glimpse into the artist’s current artistic journey.
Photpgraphy: Koji Honda
Biography
1949 Born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.
1972 Began creating reliefs to examine the qualities of clay soils.
Afterwards, began working with ceramics in Tokyo.
1975 Moved to Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture and began working at a ceramics manufacturing factory while continuing to produce his own works.
1982 Moved his residence and workplace to Marubashira, Iga-City, Mie Prefecture,
and broadened the range of his work by making a kiln that uses firewood with kerosene,
and using techniques like noyaki (open-firing).
1996 Invited to Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park to produce work.
1980s ~ Has been showing his works in many solo and group exhibitions.
Exhibition Detail
Eiji Uematsu
" The Moon, Dango and Playing in the Mud "
Date：November 2 (Thu) - December 17 (Sun), 2023
Open: 12:00-19:00
Closed on Mon, Tue and National Holidays
The artist will be at the gallery on: November 4 (Sat)
Opening reception: November 4 (Sat) 17:00-19:00
* The information is subject to change without prior notice. Please check the SNS beforehand when you visit the gallery.
Open on November 2 (Thu) - 5 (Sun) from 10:00-19:00 due to AWT participation, including November 3 (Fri / National Holiday).
Place: Gallery 38
2-30-28 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Tokyo
tel: +81 (0)3-6721-1505