Fairfield University Art Museum to Present Exhibit on Japanese Art, Culture

From Fairfield University:

The re-branded Fairfield University Art Museum —formerly the Bellarmine Museum of Art — presents “Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan from the Collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz,” on view from Thursday, Sept. 29 through Friday, Dec. 16 on the university campus in Bellarmine Hall. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 6–7:30 p.m.

The exhibition presents a choice selection of contemporary Japanese ceramics from one of the most distinguished private collections in America. Seen together, the more than 30 works on view highlight the creative dynamism and innovation that enlivens this most traditional art form as practiced by Japanese ceramic artists today.

Created from the fusion of earth, fire and water, ceramic art is an ancient, enduring and vibrant form of creative expression in Japanese culture. Contemporary Japanese ceramic artists are deeply mindful of this venerable tradition, and their works are replete with resonant historical references. At the same time, many of these practitioners boldly bend and stretch artistic conventions to create or incorporate new forms and ornamental language. Echoes of ceremonial vessels and implements co-exist beside fluid, organic and evocative shapes that push the allied media of clay and porcelain to their most daring and elastic possibilities.

Extensive programming complements this exhibition. On Oct. 5 at 5 p.m., Dr. Ive Covaci will present a gallery talk, “The Resonance of Tradition in Contemporary Japanese Ceramics.” On Oct. 15, a Family Day event will explore Japanese art and culture. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea — a ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea) — will take place on Oct. 28 in the museum’s Meditz Gallery. Ron Labaco, former Senior Curator of New York’s Museum of Arts and Design, will present a lecture on Contemporary Japanese Ceramics in the Diffley Board Room on Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. All events are free and open to the public, but advance registration is recommended.

This exhibition is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities, with additional support from the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation, The Japan Foundation, New York and Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz.

“Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan” is presented in conjunction with two other exhibitions highlighting Japanese art in Connecticut this Fall—HANGA NOW! Contemporary Japanese Printmakers at the Art Museum, University of St. Joseph, West Hartford (Sept. 23-Dec. 18) and “An Eye to the East: The Inspiration of Japan” (Oct. 12-Feb. 26, 2017) at the Bush-Holley House of the Greenwich Historical Society.

TownVibe is the exhibition media sponsor.

The Fairfield University Art Museum is located in Bellarmine Hall on the campus of Fairfield University, 200 Barlow Rd. It is free and open to the public Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as select Saturdays, when classes are in session.

Photo courtesy of Ben Bocko