CHICAGO, IL.- This presentation focuses on the explosion of innovative and technically ambitious compositions by Japanese women artists since 1970—a body of work which they developed in parallel with, but often separately from, traditional, male-dominated Japanese practice and its countermovements.

Since World War II, women have made influential contributions to the ceramics field in Japan that have not been adequately recognized. This exhibition focuses on the explosion of innovative and technically ambitious compositions by such artists since 1970—a body of work which they developed in parallel with, but often separately from, traditional, male-dominated Japanese practice and its countermovements.

Both established and emerging artists with a range of styles are presented together to showcase their collective achievements and impact. Mishima Kimiyo (born 1932), Tsuboi Asuka (born 1932), and Ogawa Machiko (born 1946) began their careers decades ago and continue to produce groundbreaking sculpture that pushes the limits of the clay medium. Konno Tomoko (born 1967), Aoki Katsuyo (born 1972), and Oishi Sayaka (born 1979) are part of younger generations and are represented by thematic groupings ranging from bodily distortion to fantastical decoration. While all of these women have routinely confronted expectations about their practice, they have frequently responded by refusing gender-imposed constraints, whether by approaching traditionally “feminine” subjects—such as flowers—in unconventional ways or by creating so-called “masculine” works, such as large, geological forms.

All of the selected pieces are from the exemplary collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz, who are thrilled to bring these artists to global attention.

Catalogue

Edited by Joe Earle
Contributions by Hollis Goodall and Janice Katz
Format: Hardcover
Dimensions: 9.75 x 11 in.
Pages: 128
Illustrations: 90 color illus.

Art Institute of Chicago
Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
December 16th, 2023 – June 3rd, 2024
Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan is curated by Janice Katz, Roger L. Weston Associate Curator of Japanese Art, the Art Institute of Chicago.

Art Institute Chicago
Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan
December 16th, 2023 – June 3rd, 2024