Two Seminal Exhibitions: "The French Connection" and "Guided by the Brush"

"The French Connection: Five Japanese Women Ceramists and Their Passion for France" and "Guided by the Brush" are two seminal exhibitions showcasing Japan's foremost female ceramists and calligrapher at the Joan B. Mirviss LTD located at 39 East 78^th Street in New York through August 3^rd, 2012.

"The French Connection" explores the rise and importance of Japanese women who have historically been excluded from ceramics, playing minor roles in male-dominated fields of clay. Traditionally, fathers passed down their knowledge and craftsmanship to their sons - this line of succession was unavailable to women. Over the past twenty years however, women have had more freedom in expression and education in ceramics, learning the art of clay through teachings in Japanese ceramic programs and universities.

"The French Connection" is an exhibition of works by ceramists: Machiko Ogawa, Yasuko Sakurai, Chieko Katsumata, Yoshimi Futamura, and Setsuko Nagasawa. Ogawa and Sakurai live and work in Japan, Katsumata divides her time between Kyoto and Paris, Futamura lives and works in Paris and Nagasawa has homes in Kyoto and Paris, working primarily in France.

Yoshimi Futamura, born in Nagoya, claims that she is inspired by the freedom for artistic exploration in France that is unavailable in Japan. She says, "Although doing business in France is difficult, there are still opportunities to promote and exhibit my work, whereas in Japan, such opportunities do not arise." Futamura believes her outlook on ceramics originates from her education in Japan and work in France. One major difference she experienced from being in France is that there, clay, in its "wet" state before being fired, is simply considered clay and nothing more, whereas in Japan, there is a heavy emphasis on its connection to nature. "Clay embodies nature and its principle elements of Earth, Water and Fire."

"Guided by the Brush" is a collaborative effort between Joan B. Mirviss LTD and The Tolman Collection in which Toko Shinoda's creativity and independence in Japanese Abstract Expressionism through painting and calligraphy is highlighted. Shinoda is the only living Japanese painter whose work hangs in the Imperial Palace. "Guided by the Brush" offers paintings (mostly from the last decade) and original lithographs that embodies yohaku, the abundance of space.

Joan B. Mirviss LTD has been specializing in Japanese fine art for thirty-five years. The gallery features the very best in contemporary and modern Japanese ceramics, Japanese ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), and Japanese screens and scrolls, attracting local and international audiences. They have been exhibiting as a leading dealer of Japanese art for over thirty years at the NYC Winter Antiques Show - the most prestigious antiques show in America, as well as SOFA NY - the international exposition of Sculpture Objects and Fine Arts, presenting the works of leading and emerging artists.

The amount and quality of communication between Mirviss and the artists plays a role in the success of the gallery. Mirviss holds dearly the connections with each artist, carefully listening to their needs whilst voicing her opinion to help connect, and lead the Japanese artworks to business.

As to the selection criteria for exhibiting at the Joan B. Mirviss LTD, Mirviss explains that she looks for the "best" artists who have a voice of their own, but are strongly connected to tradition. Specific criteria involve balance, texture, form, color, and how the form and surface work or compete with one another. Mirviss understands the importance of interpersonal relationships "For true connoisseurs, judging the 'best' is not subjective, and indeed these great works become the most valuable over time."

Joan B. Mirviss LTD: http://www.mirviss.com/
The Tolman Collection: http://www.tolmantokyo.com/