Kitsch Kogei by Keiko Masumoto

About

For a long time in Japanese applied arts, the ideas towards "art" and "craft" have been kept separate. However there are some artists who break the mold, and ICN Gallery is pleased to present one of them, Keiko Masumoto. Using high ceramic craftsmanship, her works include everyday Japanese items such as decorative plates, vases, and tea ceremony instruments. But she breaks the relationship between utilitarian and decorative objects by combining these items and traditional motifs with dynamic shapes, creating a humorous take on Japanese traditions and culture. A new generation artist seeking to escape outdated conventions, Masumoto erases the lines between craft and art by showcasing the beauty of useful things.