World first show of Japanese sculpture in bamboo, New York

Nagakura Ken’ichi (b. 1952), Woman, 2004. Bamboo, lacquer, and powdered polishing stone and clay, H. 32 1/2 in. Collection of Diane and Arthur Abbey.

MUSEUM SURVEY BAMBOO SCULPTURE to January 11 2009

“Over the past few years, Japanese bamboo artists have reached beyond the established boundaries of their craft” says the Japan Society in New York. “New Bamboo: Contemporary Japanese Masters is the world’s first exhibition devoted exclusively to Japanese bamboo as a sculptural medium, featuring 23 innovators, old and young, who explore to the full the tension between traditional skill and new expressive opportunities”.

Morigami Jin (b. 1955) Harmony II, 2006. Bamboo, 16 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 10 1/2 in. Harmony III, 2006. Bamboo, 9 1/2 x 18 x 11 in. Collection of Stanley and Mary Ann Snider.

“Ranging from ethereal, computer-designed filigrees, through dramatic wall pieces to angry-looking, dirt-encrusted tangles and anthropomorphic, sexually charged sculptures, the more than 90 works on display demonstrate awesome technique, meticulous attention to detail and extraordinary creativity.”

Artists: Matsumoto Hafu (1952), Honma Kazuaki (1930), Honma Hideaki (1959), Yako Hodo (1940), Torii Ippo (1930), Fujitsuka Shosei (1949), Yamaguchi Ryuun (1940), Shono Tokuzo (1942), Tanabe Mitsuko (1944), Tanabe Shochiku 111 (1973), Ikeda Iwao (1940), Uematsu Chikuyu (1947), Kawashima Shigeo (1958), Ueno Maso (1949), Nagakura Ken’ichi (1952), Yonezawa Jiro (1956), Honda Shoryu (1951), Mimura Chikuho (1973), Morigami Jin (1955), Nakatome Hajime (1974), Okie Toshie (1976), Kawana Testsunori (1945), Stephen Talasnik (1954), 

See (in new window)

• more news on contemporary sculpture
• more on Japanese art
• Japan Society site for more images, catalogue, information