FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Quiet Metamorphosis: A Resurgence of Kogei
PARIS, FRANCE— Ippodo Gallery debuts at Fine Arts Paris at Booth N25 in the historic Grand Palais from September 19–23, 2026. Quiet Metamorphosis: A Resurgence of Kogei highlights a timely revival of Japanese fine-art-craft. Drawing upon time-honored traditions, these most contemporary works evoke a visceral and meditative presence: this is a profound creative metamorphosis happening quietly in our time.
In the nineteenth century, revolutionary Japonisme transfixed the landscape of French culture and Western art through flat perspective, vivid naturalism, and asymmetric composition. Japan’s contemporary masters honor artistic heritage whilst approaching their materials with a radically modern sensibility. Their creations bring ancient craft into the era of contemporary art.
Under the majestic dome of the Grand Palais—the historic site of the World’s Fairs which ignited global passion for Japanese aesthetics—Quiet Metamorphosis: A Resurgence of Kogei awakens an essential philosophy of beauty. Leading the presentation are the LOEWE Craft Prize winner Kunimasa Aoki’s terracotta sculptures made from thousands of compressed coils; rare mineral-based Nihonga paintings (絵画) by Masaaki Miyasako evocative of Pointillism; dyed textiles (染色) by Shigeki Fukumoto develop Kyoto traditions of Kimono-making using rōzome (wax-resist) and inlay nuno-zōgan techniques with treasured Turfan cotton; Urushi lacquer (漆) is rendered as tea objects in exquisite zelkova elm by third-generation master Jihei Murase; driftwood, stone, and ancient wood reclaimed from Kyoto’s Zen temples is fashioned into spiritual figures by Sho Kishino.
Ippodo Gallery’s presentation integrates an extraordinary breadth of traditional and modern Japanese disciplines which speak directly to the five senses and our immutable connection to the natural world. Each artist draws upon natural mediums: Daisuke Nakano uses crushed natural mineral pigments and fine ink on washi paper. Vivid hues emerge from the harmonious indigo-dyed textiles of Shihoko Fukumoto. Innovative porcelain tea bowls by Kodai Ujiie are crazed and filled with colorful lacquer inlay. Kenta Hirai elevates the dynamism of carved wood with elegance. Vibrant glazed-painted vessels by Ruri Takeuchi and traditional shino by Takeshi Suzuki demonstrate the enduring inheritance of Japan’s contemporary kilns. Bamboo (竹) takes on fluid architectural curves in the hands of Hideaki Honma. Colors are wrought from natural patination while the metal (金工) itself is transformed into Shota Suzuki’s intricate botanical scenes. Individual rolled washi paper (和紙) spirals become a unified whole in KAKU's works that bridge sculpture and paper craft.
Engaging with these masterworks restores a sense of grounded humanity to the chaos of modern life. Quiet Metamorphosis - A Resurgence of Kogei follows the influences that have shaped contemporary Japanese art and the renewal of classical ideas in our contemporary world.
