Stories from a Crafting Life: Curatorial Reflections
Presented by Olivier Krischer, Kathryn Hunyor & Bic Tieu
July 26, 2025
Join the curators of Crafting Life: Stories from the Japanese Studio, as they explore the dynamic resilience and enduring relevance of craft practices in contemporary Japan. The discussion will expand on how three different makers are adapting to changing conditions of materials, patronage, and environmental challenges while preserving the tacit knowledge underpinning their craft practices.
Featuring insights into fine ceramics from Karatsu, maki-e lacquerware from Wajima and Kanazawa, as well as sashiko needlework from Ōtsuchi, the discussion will examine how these distinct practices are grounded in both a history of mastery and a tradition of innovation, finding fresh relevance in contemporary markets like bespoke fashion and fine dining. The conversation reveals the ongoing significance of craft in contemporary Japanese culture.
The panel will feature short presentations on each of the makers in the exhibition, highlighting the curatorial research and relationship to three distinct craft practices, followed by an audience Q&A. The in-person talk event will also be available to view online via livestream on the JPF Sydney Facebook page.
Curators
Olivier Krischer
Olivier Krischer is a historian and curator of modern and contemporary art in East Asia, as well as Asian Australian diasporas. He is interested in transcultural art, photography and intermedia practices. He was the curator of Assembly (2023) featuring eight Hong Kong-born artists, Wei Leng Tay – Abridge (2021), Wayfaring: Photography in 1970s-80s Taiwan (2021) and Between: Picturing 1950–60s Taiwan (2016). His publications include John Young: The History Projects (2024), Zhang Peili: from Painting to Video (2019) and Asia through Art and Anthropology: Cultural Translation Across Borders (2013, with Fuyubi Nakamura, Morgan Perkins). Following degrees in design, Chinese studies and art history, Olivier completed his PhD in modern Japanese art history at the University of Tsukuba, Japan, and is now a Lecturer at the University of New South Wales School of Art and Design.
Kathryn Hunyor
Kathryn Hunyor is a Japanese-speaking curator, consultant, and speaker specialising in contemporary art projects across Sydney, Tokyo, and beyond. She collaborates with artists and presenters while consulting for major Australian arts organizations, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Opera House. As Head of International Tours at the Art Gallery of NSW and a regular lecturer on Japanese art and culture, Kathryn brings deep expertise to her work. Formerly Head of Creative Programs at the Australian Design Centre, she led the center’s artistic program, commissioning key curatorial and audience engagement initiatives. Her previous role as Cultural Officer at the Australian Embassy in Tokyo saw her managing Australia’s cultural diplomacy efforts in Japan. Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Asian Studies and a Master’s in Japanese Literature from the University of Sydney. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD at the University of Technology Sydney, researching the relationship between art and business in Japan from 1900 to 2030.
Bic Tieu
Bic Tieu is a designer, object maker, and jeweller, who lectures at the University of NSW, School of Art and Design. Her practice draws on traditional and contemporary craft and design methods inspired by her Asian-cultural lineages to investigate themes of personal and cross-cultural narratives. Specialising in traditional and contemporary metal and lacquer craft technologies, Tieu’s practice often utilises a synthesis of these materials to create different perspectives on contemporary object-making and meanings. Her recent work navigates cartographic ways to explore the ‘in-between’, creating new kinds of cultural objects that are representative of the hybrid and diasporic life experiences and identities represented in the diverse cultures of Australia. Bic’s practice revels in materiality expressed in object-based forms to create a better understanding of cultural diversity within the Asia-Australia context.
About The Exhibition
Crafting Life: Stories from the Japanese Studio is an exhibition that explores Japanese craft from a fresh perspective. Showcasing three craft practices from different regions of Japan, this exhibition highlights the dynamism and resilience of artisans, who continually innovate to ensure the relevance of their craft practices in contemporary Japan, and beyond. On display are works by a ceramic artist from Karatsu (Yukiko Tsuchiya), a maki-e lacquerware company originally from Wajima, now based in Kanazawa (Hikoju Maki-e Co. Ltd.), and a sashiko needlework collective turned ‘brand’ from Ōtsuchi (Ōtsuchi Sashiko).
CLICK HERE for more information on the exhibition
EVENT DETAILS
July 26, 2025 (Saturday)
2pm – 3pm AEST
45min talk + 15min Q&A
Bookings not required
GALLERY HOURS
Mon–Fri: 10am–6pm
Sat: 11am–4pm
Closed Sundays and public holidays
IN-PERSON VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
ONLINE VENUE
JPF Sydney Facebook
Bookings and Facebook account not required to watch
ADMISSION
Free
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
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Header Image: Docqment Photography
Exhibition Program
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