Artist Talk: Haruo Mitsuta in conversation with Giuseppe Piva and Manuela Moscatiello

About

The Private View is an opportunity to have a first look at the works of the acclaimed Japanese artist Haruo Mitsuta. Dr Clare Pollard, University of Oxford, will give an introduction to Jizai Okimono during the evening. Mitsuta is the only contemporary artist who makes Jizai Okimono (“articulated animals”) – flexible animal figures made from metal pieces, which can replicate the movements of the original animals. Originally they were made by armourers in the late Edo and the Meiji period. Jizai Okimono have gained some recognition within Japan in recent years, but still belong to a very minor area of traditional Japanese metallic handicrafts. The vast majority of these items were sold abroad, so this exceptional form of art never had the chance to develop its roots within Japan, where it originated. Its presence may have been long lost in the Japanese art scene, but these objects have been collected and cherished by many people outside Japan. Mitsuta will be showcasing some of his most impressive and startlingly realistic pieces in this exhibition. Visit anytime between 6-8pm.