35. Kuwata Takuro 桑田卓郎

Born in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1981, Takuro Kuwata studied at Kyoto Saga University of Arts, with ceramic artist Susumu Zaima and at the Tajimi City Pottery Design and Technical Center. He lives and works in Gifu in the heart of Japanese ceramic art in the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture, where techniques such as "kairagi" and "ishihaze" (inpurities in the clay deliberately creating a granular and crisp surface ) are preserved that date back to feudal Japan. This tradition of 'wabi-sabi' aesthetics in particular is reflected in his creations of imperfect beauty and natural forms, but at the same time he manages to transform them into highly modern pieces of work. In his work, Takuro Kuwata fuses tradition and modernity into provocative works of art. Takuro Kuwata's work is highly appreciated and has been a great influence on others ceramists, including Kawai Kazuhito (see no.33).  He has received many awards, and his work has been exhibited worldwide and acquired by such important museums as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.