Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan from the Collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Opens at the Fairfield University Art Museum | Press Releases

Media Contact: Susan Cipollaro, scipollaro@fairfield.edu , 203-254-4000 ext. 2726

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (June 2, 2016) — The rebranded Fairfield University Art Museum —formerly the Bellarmine Museum of Art — presents “Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan from the Collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz,” on view from Thursday, September 29, through Friday, December 16, 2016 , on the University campus in Bellarmine Hall. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, September 28, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

The exhibition presents a choice selection of contemporary Japanese ceramics from one of the most distinguished private collections in America. Seen together, the more than thirty works on view highlight the creative dynamism and innovation that enlivens this most traditional art form as practiced by Japanese ceramic artists today.

Created from the fusion of earth, fire and water, ceramic art is an ancient, enduring and vibrant form of creative expression in Japanese culture. Contemporary Japanese ceramic artists are deeply mindful of this venerable tradition, and their works are replete with resonant historical references. At the same time, many of these practitioners boldly bend and stretch artistic conventions to create or incorporate new forms and ornamental language. Echoes of ceremonial vessels and implements co-exist beside fluid, organic and evocative shapes that push the allied media of clay and porcelain to their most daring and elastic possibilities.

Extensive programming complements this exhibition. On October 5 at 5 p.m., Dr. Ive Covaci will present a gallery talk, “The Resonance of Tradition in Contemporary Japanese Ceramics.” On October 15 , a Family Day event will explore Japanese Art and Culture. A traditional Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea — a ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea) — will take place on October 28 at 1:00 p.m. in the museum’s Meditz Gallery. Ron Labaco, former Senior Curator of New York’s Museum of Arts and Design, will present a lecture on Contemporary Japanese Ceramics in the Diffley Board Room on November 29 at 5 p.m. All events are free and open to the public, but do require advance registration at www.fuam.eventbrite.com . For more information see the museum’s website at www.fairfield.edu/museum .

“Crafting the Elements: Ceramic Art of Modern Japan” is presented in conjunction with two other exhibitions highlighting Japanese art in Connecticut this Fall—HANGA NOW! Contemporary Japanese Printmakers at the University of St. Joseph Art Gallery, West Hartford ( September 23-December 18, 2016 ), and “An Eye to the East: The Inspiration of Japan” ( October 13, 2016 – February 26, 2017 )at the Bush-Holley House of the Greenwich Historical Society.

This exhibition is made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation. TownVibe is the exhibition media sponsor.

The Fairfield University Art Museum is located in Bellarmine Hall on the campus of Fairfield University, 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, CT. It is free and open to the public Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as select Saturdays, when classes are in session.

Image credit: Suzuki Gorō, Box #3, Yachishida, 2009, Oribe ware. Photo by Ben Bocko.

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Vol. 48, No. 131

Fairfield University is a Jesuit University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.