Press Release

Contemporary Japanese Crafts to be Shown at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art

Atlanta – Oglethorpe University Museum of Art’s (OUMA) unprecedented successful “Year of Asia” reaches another height when it is extended to include an exhibition of Japanese crafts, which opens on September 14.

Moving into OUMA’s third floor gallery in the Weltner Library is an exhibition called “Masterpieces of Contemporary Japanese Crafts.” The beautiful show features 64 pieces including lacquered boxes, ornamental plates, and both traditional and contemporary ceramics, all the work of renowned and high-spirited Japanese artisans. It runs through October 26, 2003 and admission is free.

“By simply calling these precious objects ‘crafts’ does not do them justice,” says Dr. Jason Wirth, associate professor of philosophy. “These are the finest works of master artisans who are acknowledged masters of their art forms. In fact, it makes more sense to think of these works as the signature works of artisans, who bring many generations of tradition to bear on them. These are state of the art pieces, which allow museum goers to take the pulse of Japanese artisanship.” Wirth is assisting with the Oglethorpe stop of this exhibition, which originated with the Japan Foundation, and which subsequently continues its world tour. The exhibition will also be a satellite event of JapanFest, which will be held at Stone Mountain in September.

Indeed, Lloyd Nick, director of the museum, adds: “This is a jewel of an exhibition filled with extraordinary crafts by recognized Japanese masters who have trained their entire lives to produce these dazzling objects. In many instances, these artists come from generations of a single family working, developing and then refining a single medium to its highest level of sublime skill.”

One could ask, legitimately, “What is contemporary?” The curator of the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, Masami Shiraishi explains: “… common themes indicate the state of contemporary Japanese crafts…. This exhibit identifies several of these characteristics and presents works that exemplify those characteristics.”  Shiraishi classifies the works as Ostentation, Quiet Refinement, Crispness, Fine Detail, Deformation, and Flowers and Birds.

“Through flamboyance you can say a lot; but with simplicity like some of these objects, you can say a lot more,” says Wirth.

In conjunction with the exhibit and subsequent lectures by Wirth, Oglethorpe University Assistant Professor of Japanese Robert Steen,  and textile artist Junco Sato Pollack, there will be a full scale Tea ceremony on Sunday, September 14 at 4 p.m. by Genkaku Umemori, a seventeenth generation Zen priest. Six attendees at the opening will be chosen to participate.

The exhibition will be at the OUMA for only six weeks starting in September, but Director Nick says: “We are privileged to be selected to host this important, impressive and beautiful exhibition. Being the only East Coast venue for an exhibition of this caliber that travels around the world is a great honor for us in Atlanta.”

Comprised of two spacious galleries and occupying some 7,000 square feet on the third floor of Lowry Hall and Philip Weltner Library of Oglethorpe University, OUMA offers an attractive and pleasant environment for the viewing of elegantly curated exhibits.  Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is easily accessible, offers ample free parking and admits visitors free of charge. The museum’s Gift Shop features a wide selection of Museum-inspired and multicultural gifts, books and crafts.

For further information about OUMA events or to schedule a docent tour, call (404) 364-8555 or go to our award-winning website http://www.oglethorpe.edu (keyword: Museum)

Museum Hours
Tuesday through Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Monday and University holidays

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