Seikatsu Kogei: Objects for Intentional Living
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Seikatsu Kogei: Objects for Intentional Living explores the Japanese craft movement that began in the 1990s known as Seikatsu Kogei, or lifestyle crafts. See how the works of Seikatsu Kogei artists re-examine our relationship to the objects in our lives, presented together in Australia for the first time.
Included in this exhibition are some 70 works by 22 currently-active Seikatsu Kogei artists. The objects on display are made from a variety of materials, including wood, ceramics, lacquer, glass, metal, bamboo, paper and clay.
A Brief Introduction to Seikatsu Kogei
In the 1980s, the majority of Japanese creators working in crafts were pursuing individuality, artistic expression and other artistic objectives. Then, in the 1990s, they began to take an interest in crafts conceived with living and lifestyle in mind. Many craft artists toned down the level of individuality, shifting from creating “works” to creating simpler utensils that that fit in well with modern living.
Many Seikatsu Kogei artists and users lived through Japan’s economic bubble. After the bubble burst, they turned their gaze inward to look more closely at how we live, thinking about what is authentic and what quality consumption truly entails. Then, Seikatsu Kogei artists began to make crafts that address these questions and suggest solutions, resulting in the Seikatsu Kogei movement.
The term “Seikatsu Kogei” first entered the public consciousness as the title of an exhibition in 2010 at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. By defining a category distinct from decorative crafts and traditional crafts, the term soon caught on and gained widespread acceptance. Today, Seikatsu Kogei artists continue to create works that reflect the desire to convey the beauty of ordinary, everyday life.
Artists in the Exhibition
Masanobu Ando, Wataru Hatano, Tomoko Hayashi, Higashi Bamboo Studio, Yukiko Hosokawa, Kamizoe, Masaki Kanamori, Yoshitake Kihira, Masao Kozumi, Ryuji Mitani, Tomoaki Nakano, Yumi Nakamura, Hideto Nakayama, Tetsuya Otani, Akihito Sugita, Yuichi Takemata, Takashi Tomii, Kazushige Tsuchida, Kiyokazu Tsuda, Koichi Uchida, Yoji Yamada, Ryohei Yamamoto
Related Events
EXHIBITION DETAILS
February 21 – August 29, 2020*
*Exhibition extended!
Free; bookings required
Update June 4, 2020: The Japan Foundation gallery will reopen to visitors on June 9. Modified business hours are Mon-Fri 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. All visitors must make a booking before visiting via the online booking form.
The exhibition will remain available to view online for those who cannot make it to our gallery in person. We invite you to enjoy the exhibition virtually.
OPENING RECEPTION
with Ryuji Mitani in attendance
February 21, 2020 (Friday)
6:30pm-8pm (Doors open 6pm)
Free; bookings not necessary
VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
ADMISSION
Free
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
Header and gallery images © Document Photography
Presented by
In collaboration with
Gallery yamahon
As part of
Supported by
