Exhibition/event has ended.
Okawa Ryo’s Collectionー Expression with the Power of Life
Aomori Contemporary Art Centre
Finished
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Artists
Ryo Okawa
*The exhibition period has been shortened. (Originally 2021/12/15–2022/2/13).
Okawa Ryo (1881–1958) pioneered the discovery of the elaborate beauty of Origera (an embroidered rain cape), Orihabaki (traditional shin-guard), and Kogin-zashi (an old-style stitching technique) produced in the farming villages of the Tsugaru region. Many traditional crafts disappeared due to rapid changes during the late Meiji period. However, observing the younger generation’s self-expression through these crafts, Okawa was inspired to develop designs based on traditional techniques, thus creating a sustainable side job for farmers during the off-season.
As he secretly attended the Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko, Okawa interacted with various cultural figures such as Okada Shurei, Kawai Kanjiro, Bernard Leach, as well as Bruno Taut who visited Okawa’s house in Daikoji. Yanagi Muneyoshi, known for expanding the famous Mingei (folk craft) movement, highlighted Kogin embroidery in the magazine, “Kogei” (vol.14, issued in 1932), however, Okawa actually started collecting Kogin-zashi much earlier, around 1908 or 1909.
As well as Origera, Okawa’s collections include over one hundred Kogin items. This exhibition, which also introduces products inspired by his collections, such as collar containers and handbags, is a valuable opportunity to come into contact with Okawa’s perspective.
Okawa Ryo (1881–1958) pioneered the discovery of the elaborate beauty of Origera (an embroidered rain cape), Orihabaki (traditional shin-guard), and Kogin-zashi (an old-style stitching technique) produced in the farming villages of the Tsugaru region. Many traditional crafts disappeared due to rapid changes during the late Meiji period. However, observing the younger generation’s self-expression through these crafts, Okawa was inspired to develop designs based on traditional techniques, thus creating a sustainable side job for farmers during the off-season.
As he secretly attended the Tokyo Bijutsu Gakko, Okawa interacted with various cultural figures such as Okada Shurei, Kawai Kanjiro, Bernard Leach, as well as Bruno Taut who visited Okawa’s house in Daikoji. Yanagi Muneyoshi, known for expanding the famous Mingei (folk craft) movement, highlighted Kogin embroidery in the magazine, “Kogei” (vol.14, issued in 1932), however, Okawa actually started collecting Kogin-zashi much earlier, around 1908 or 1909.
As well as Origera, Okawa’s collections include over one hundred Kogin items. This exhibition, which also introduces products inspired by his collections, such as collar containers and handbags, is a valuable opportunity to come into contact with Okawa’s perspective.
Schedule | Dec 25 (Sat) 2021-Jan 23 (Sun) 2022 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||||
| Website | https://acac-aomori.jp/program/okawa/ | ||||||
| Venue | Aomori Contemporary Art Centre http://acac-aomori.jp/ | ||||||
| Location | 152-6 Yamazaki, Goshizawa, Aomori-shi, Aomori 030-0134 | ||||||
| Access | From the East exit of Aomori Station on the JR Tsugaru and Ou lines, take the bus for 40 minutes and get off at Aomori Public University. | ||||||
| Phone | 017-764-5200 | ||||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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