Tomio Koyama Gallery Tokyo - Kyoto | TKG Ceramics | TKG Editions Kyoto

» Introduction:

Keiko Masumoto's ceramic works give the impression of unexpectedness. A pine tree penetrates a pot, "pot/ pine tree"; a pot with normal decoration on one side and a sculpture of heron on another, "pot/ heron"; and a suspension bridge between two pots, "pot/ bridge". Dynamism and humor is generated by Masumoto's attempts of "destroying the relationship of vessel and decoration as main and sub." The motifs, usually settled in the frame of vessel as decoration, are liberated and move beyond the outlines. Uses and customariness are deprived from the vessels, but the vessels stay themselves; in other words, the vessels and motifs keep an equal, and somewhat tense relationship.
　　Masumoto was exposed to tea ceremony while growing up, and was interested in the craftworks that are not to be used, while there are various tools. She states, "if they are only for display, they do not have to have the forms of vessels". Her works visualize the categories that have been constructed in the history. The techniques make it possible, and give the works the strong presence.

» Concept:

Tomio Koyama Gallery is pleased to announce the new project "TKG Projects", which introduce the works by the emerging artists. This exhibition marks the first one of the project, and features the new works by Keiko Masumoto, including the new series, the "compressed patterns".

» Artist Biography:

Keiko Masumoto was born in Hyogo in 1982. She graduated from Kyoto City University of Arts in 2005, and received M.F.A. from Kyoto City University of Arts Craft Division in 2007. Masumoto received the Runner-up Prize in Tokyo Midtown Award Art Competition 2008, and the Grand Prize in Tokyo Wonder Wall, Sculpture/ Installation division in 2009. She has held solo exhibitions at Ishida Taiseisha hall (2008, Kyoto), Taiyo Jimu (2009, Kyoto), and INAX GALERIA CERAMICA (2010, Tokyo). She exhibited in a group exhibition "The Power of Decoration" (Craft Gallery,The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo). This is the first solo exhibition at Tomio Koyama Gallery.