Whilst in Japan I also carried out further research for the next Anglo-Japanese project, one which really pushes me into new territory. It is an exploration of the Japanese culture of Kawaii - a word we understand to mean 'cute', as in Hello Kitty. However Kawaii is much more than Hello Kitty and I am working with artists who have trained in traditional craft techniques and who are challenging the popular, commercial, understanding of Kawaii through their work.
I have made a provisional selection of 15 artists who are working with textiles, urushi (lacquer), glass, porcelain, sugarpaste, and plastic. The discussions I have had with the artists have been extremely interesting and stimulating and I am very excited about the exhibition. I will be updating on progress over the next few months - the exhibition will open at UCA James Hockey Galleries in Farnham in September 2015, and will travel to Rugby Art Gallery and Museum in early 2016. We are looking for a third venue at the moment. In the meantime, here is a taster...
