FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Transforming Nature
ASPEN, COLORADO – Ippodo Gallery returns to the Aspen Art Fair at the historic Hotel Jerome for the second year in Room 121 from July 29 – August 1, 2026. The presentation Transforming Nature draws the splendor of the organic world into the realm of the decorated interior. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the raw essences of nature convene within the home-style setting in the form of stone, regional clays of Japan, forged iron, blown glass, carved & lacquered wood, washi paper, bamboo, traditionally dyed textiles, and precious mineral pigment paints. The ensemble of works by more than twenty artists hailing from Japan invites new considerations about the relationship between people and the earth: a living medium capable of profound beauty and metamorphosis.
Through a diverse range of textures and forms—from the delicate, metal-worked petals of silver violas and golden ginkgoes by Shota Suzuki to the subconsciously moving white marble sculptures of Kan Yasuda —the featured artists capture the ephemeral cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth. Each piece serves as a bridge between the physical and spiritual. Light, form, and human touch can elevate organic matter into the iconic. Transforming Nature is an invitation to witness the alchemy of the natural world as it is distilled through Japanese craft traditions.
Textiles & Dyeing: Vibrant wax-resist (rō-zome) and soak-dyeing techniques of Shigeki Fukumoto. Deep Japan blue linens of Shihoko Fukumoto.
Ceramics & Earth: Terracotta sculpted organically by 2025 LOEWE Craft Prize winner Kunimasa Aoki. Laminated folds of salt- & iron-rich earth Yukiya Izumita. Natural ash glazes of Yui & Kai Tsujimura.
Glass: Cascading vessels by Midori Tsukada.
Lacquer & Wood: Sophisticated interpretations of Japanesee tea traditions by Jihei Murase using of Zelkova elm and lacquer to emulate the light of the moon. Toshiya Kimura’s handcarved animal head.
Bamboo & Metal: Flowing bamboo woven and sculpted. Iron methodically hand-pounding into shaped candlestands by Hajime and Yasuo Ishikura.
Ultimately, the presentation is anchored by the Nihonga paintings of Daisuke Nakano and Masaaki Miyasako, who each use mineral pigments and gold leaf on washi paper to translate the elements of nature—spring blossoms and the movement of water—into sublime scenes from the imagination.
click here for the ASPEN ART FAIR website to purchase tickets
Venue: Hotel Jerome, 330 E Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, Room 121
mail@ippodogallery.com | +1 (212) 967-4899
