Information on the "Takashi Kumagai and Aki Sakaida Exhibition"
As the sunlight shines on the remaining snow, I feel the days getting longer little by little, and I can't wait for spring to arrive.
It's heartening to see the plum buds blooming even in the cold wind.
Utsushiki will be holding the " Kumagaya Shunsakita Aki Exhibition " for the second time in two years.
Using casting techniques, Shun creates one-of-a-kind pieces by filling homemade plaster molds with glass, then melting and cooling it in a high-temperature kiln.
The plaster molds break when the pieces are removed, so each piece is unique.
The materials used are also unique, and in addition to purchased glass, they are a mixture of recycled glass given to them by other artists and Aki.
It produces a variety of colors and patterns.
This approach distinguishes itself from the traditional idea of eliminating impurities in glass art, and instead pursues new beauty by actively incorporating impurities.
Although there is a risk of cracking, Shun uses his kintsugi techniques to repair even cracked pieces and offer them for sale.
His adventurous attitude is influenced by techniques of different materials such as ceramics and metal, and he has developed a unique worldview, for example, expressing patterns of dripping ceramic glaze in glass.
Aki specializes in glassblowing, where she winds molten glass at high temperature around a blowpipe and then blows it into shapes.
Because she doesn't use molds, all of her pieces are also unique.
Powder is sprinkled onto nearly transparent glass to add color, and the shade changes depending on how much it is sprinkled.
His representative work, "Kuyuri," is a piece that creates a unique texture by baking wax onto the surface of glass and then smoking it.
In the "Hanakage" series, flower-like shadows emerge when light hits the pieces. This series began in olive green and in recent years has expanded to include red.
Their work highlights their commitment to maximizing the potential of glass as a material and pursuing unique beauty.
Behind his creations lies a dialogue with materials, a search for techniques, and a reflection on his inner self.
Please come and take a look at these crystal-like works, which are a mix of light and shadow, heat and cold, chance and intent.
"Takashi Kumagai and Aki Sakaida Exhibition"
schedule
Saturday, February 22nd – Sunday, March 2nd
Time: 13:00-17:00
Store closed during the event: 2/26 (Wed)
Date of presence: 23rd (Sun)
1693 Harada, Miyawaka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
0949-36-4092
I live and create in Akita, a place far away from Fukuoka.
The length of winter feels like about four months, from December to March.
Now it is dim, and I work every day while gazing at the landscape covered in dull, ambiguous shades of white and grey.
In such circumstances, when I suddenly see the light and colors trapped in the glass, I sometimes feel a warmth like the soil deep in the earth or the blood flowing through my body.
Although both have different styles, I feel that there is a subtle commonality between the works that are created in the same space, as if the perspective were to match if you squint slightly.
This is my second exhibition at Utsushiki, and I hope that everyone in Fukuoka can share this warmth. Please come and visit.
Takashi Kumagai and Aki Sakaida
Coverage footage
"Mixed" Edited by Takashi Kumagai
"Kuyuri" and "Hanakage" Edited by Aki Sakaida
1983 Born in Akita Prefecture
2007 Graduated from Akita Municipal College of Arts and Crafts, Department of Crafts and Fine Arts
2009-2011 Teaching assistant, Akita Municipal College of Arts and Crafts
2012-2015 Artist affiliated with Toyama Glass Studio
2017-2020 Artist affiliated with Akita City Shinya Glass Studio
2020- Production activities at an atelier in Akita City
The sculptures that emerge vary depending on the mold, glass, and material poured into them, and different materials are intentionally blended together.
We value the individuality of the finished glass
1982 Born in Akita City, Akita Prefecture
2012 Graduated from Akita Municipal College of Arts and Crafts
2012 Moved production base to Toyama
2017 Left Toyama Glass Studio
2017 Moved production base to Akita City
Today, tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, in the process of repeating the process
Through the subtle changes in the soft and elusive nature of glass, he enjoys the sensation of "knowing his own mind and body."
As the calendar marks the beginning of spring, it feels as if the fish in the rivers and the wild birds in the mountains are rejoicing.
We look forward to welcoming you and enjoying a relaxing time together while enjoying the invigorating natural scenery.
