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The Mead Gallery at Warwick Arts Centre is proud to present the first UK institution solo exhibition of internationally celebrated Japanese artist, Takuro Kuwata.
Renowned for his bold approach to ceramics, Kuwata combines traditional Japanese pottery with experimental sculptural techniques. His vivid glazes, unusual shapes, and striking textures have earned him international acclaim and redefined modern ceramic art.
A key feature of Kuwata's work is his use of colour and surface. Moving away from the subtle, natural tones often linked to wabi-sabi, he draws inspiration from American culture and the bold style of Pop Art. Influenced by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Kuwata brings their vibrant energy into Japanese ceramic traditions, creating work that is playful, provocative, and unmistakably contemporary.
Thomas Ellmer, Exhibitions Curator at Warwick Arts Centre, said: "Takuro Kuwata is one of the most distinctive and exciting voices in contemporary art today. His work is both joyous and captivating - celebratory of tradition while moving the debate around ceramics forward. We're thrilled to host his first solo exhibition in the UK and to bring his vision to our audiences."
While his approach may seem radical, Kuwata remains deeply committed to traditional Japanese craft. He explains: "I'm not trying to break the rules. I just want to apply a contemporary sensibility to pottery. I believe I can create something truly new, work that reflects our time."
This major exhibition includes new large-scale works created especially for the Mead Gallery, alongside sculptures from across Kuwata's career. Visitors can explore the full range of his practice - from shimmering tea bowls decorated with gold and platinum to cracked, otherworldly pieces that challenge ideas of beauty and function.
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity for UK audiences to see a major collection of Kuwata's work in person. His ceramics have previously featured in international institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.
The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of public events, including talks and hands-on workshops. Birmingham-based collective Modern Clay have designed an interactive gallery studio within the exhibition, giving visitors the chance to create their own clay vessels and experience Kuwata's techniques firsthand.
