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- 30 - 39
![](https://www.artweek.com/sites/default/files/styles/1000/public/exhibition-image/6425/NO-23%20Ao-Hagi%20%2522Yuragi%2522%20Flower%20Vase.jpg?itok=MypEvjJK)
Susumu Notomi ‘Tales of Blue Pottery’
Exhibition dates: November 15 – 28, 2018
Opening Reception: Thursday, November 15, 6-8PM
Onishi Gallery, 521 W 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
Onishi Gallery is pleased to host, Susumu Notomi: Tales of Blue Pottery, an exhibition that showcases hagi-yaki, a traditional type of Japanese pottery. Notomi is from Yamaguchi Prefecture where this type of pottery originates and has been crafted for over 400 years. The trademark ao-hagi (blue hagi-yaki) of Notomi is characterized by its distinctively delicate and deep blue color, reminiscent of the sky, ocean, and outer space.
In 1975, Notomi began studying pottery under his father, where he learned the intricacies of the ancient art of hagi-yaki. A characteristic of hagi-yaki are the delicate cracks seen throughout, that appear almost like that of lace within the pottery, which is caused by shrinking after firing due to the application of the glaze. This effect becomes more defined after years of age and use, and is referred to the ‘Seven Changes of Hagi’, which is sought after by artists of this craft. Notomi has always been fascinated by the beautiful blues that emerge from both the high temperate firing as well as the oxidation of the clays and invented ao-hagi through experimentation with these soils and glazes, mixing them together to achieve the ideal gradation of colors. The iron levels of the soil determines the gradient of the color and by altering the balance between the two, the artist brings about rich gradations from deep blue to indigo to pale blue, like that of the white waves of the sea. If there is an iron deficiency in the soil, it will then yield a lighter blue with the same glaze. Notomi's style can be characterized not just by the soft white color of his pieces, but also by the flowing nature of the blue glaze. He is also known for his ability to apply a contemporary sensibility to this traditional type of ancient pottery.
Around the same time as this exhibition, new works of Susumu Notomi will be on display at the Nippon Club (145 W 57th Street, 7th Floor) in ‘Blue in Nature: Ao-Hagi Pottery’ from November 8 – 14, 2018. Notomi has had numerous solo exhibitions throughout Japan such as in Maruzen in Ginza, Mitsukoshi Tokyo Headquarters, Isetan in Osaka, and others. In 2017, Notomi collaborated with the Japanese fashion designer Hiroko Koshino, presenting duo exhibitions entitled “HAJIMARI no AO” in 2016 and “THE BLUE – A second encounter” in 2017 both with KH Gallery.
For more information on the exhibition, please contact Dannie Pierce at 212-695-8035, or by email at dpierce@onishigallery.com. Or, please visit the gallery website at www.onishigallery.com. Or, visit our website at www.onishigallery.com.
Artist:
In 1975, Notomi began studying pottery under his father, where he learned the intricacies of the ancient art of hagi-yaki. A characteristic of hagi-yaki are the delicate cracks seen throughout, that appear almost like that of lace within the pottery, which is caused by shrinking after firing due to the application of the glaze. This effect becomes more defined after years of age and use, and is referred to the ‘Seven Changes of Hagi’, which is sought after by artists of this craft. Notomi has always been fascinated by the beautiful blues that emerge from both the high temperate firing as well as the oxidation of the clays and invented ao-hagi through experimentation with these soils and glazes, mixing them together to achieve the ideal gradation of colors. The iron levels of the soil determines the gradient of the color and by altering the balance between the two, the artist brings about rich gradations from deep blue to indigo to pale blue, like that of the white waves of the sea. If there is an iron deficiency in the soil, it will then yield a lighter blue with the same glaze. Notomi's style can be characterized not just by the soft white color of his pieces, but also by the flowing nature of the blue glaze. He is also known for his ability to apply a contemporary sensibility to this traditional type of ancient pottery.
521 W 26th Street, Basement A
New York, N.Y. 10001