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Biography

Hiroshi Toyofuku is one of the artists of Bizen Pottery.

Bizen Pottery is produced in the Bizen area of Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The 1000-year history of this pottery is characterized by unglazed, wood-fired kilns, and kiln firing that lasts more than a week. All Bizen Pottery makers insist on decorating their pieces according to the clay's expression, the changes in the flame during firing, and the ashes. Hiroshi Toyofuku's pottery is characterized by the expression of the clay. The marbled, stratified surface of the clay, which shows the expression of the clay as it was dug out, is a powerful and complex expression of nature, and is attractive enough in itself. The shape is designed to show it effectively. At first glance, it appears to be a complex series of overlapping surfaces, but it is a very simple form that is assembled with regularity. It is made by piling up string-like clay. It is one of the most primitive methods. By firing in a wood-fired kiln, the world of Bizen Pottery is being expanded.

He is not originally from Bizen. While watching Japanese folk performing arts in college, he became interested in the unique culture of the area. The movements, costumes and tools of the performing arts are also the starting point for his creative

work. He came to Bizen because he was very interested in the wood-fired kilns that have been used since prehistoric times.

In 2001, he won the Encouragement Prize at the Tabe Art Museum Grand Prize "Chanoyu no Zokei Exhibition" before becoming independent, and in 2007, he established his own kiln and has been exhibiting his works annually in Japan.

Around 2012, he began to focus on coil building making rather than wheel throwing as his main production method. This has allowed him to explore the relationship between clay and form more deeply.

At first glance, the shape of the piece may catch the eye, but what is important to him is determining the properties of the clay.

He is always searching for the best firing method and form for the clay.

CV

Born in 1973 in Tokyo, Japan. Lives and works in Wake-cho, Okayama, Japan.

EDUCATION

1996 BA, Department of Humanities, College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2024 Clay rises up, Art Gallery Takashimaya, Tokyo

2022 Form that rises from the cray, Art Gallery Takashimaya, Yokohama

2019 Kneaded surface that represents nature, Art Gallery Tenmaya, Okayama

2016 Solo Exhibition, Art Gallery Takashimaya, Yokohama

2014 Solo Exhibition, Art Gallery Tenmaya, Okayama

2010 Solo Exhibition, Art Gallery Tobu, Tokyo (Held annually thereafter)

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2024 Musuhi, Maud & Mabel, London

Bends & Folds - A Group Exhibition -, Studio Tashtego, New York

2023 Art Paris, Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris

2022 Art Antwerp, Antwerp Expo, Antwerp

Ceramic Flowers in Spring, Art Gallery Takashimaya, Osaka

The Ceramic Art Sciety of Japan Exhibition, Shosha Art & CraftMuseum, Himeji

2021 Six people exhibition of BIZEN - the moment of takeoff -, Kakiden Gallery, Tokyo

2020 Next The Bizen: Artists Creating the Future of the Bizen, Art Gallery Okayama Tenmaya, Okayama

2019 The long-awaited Bizen Exhibition, Ippodo Gallery, Tokyo

Five Kilns for Spring, Art Gallery Takashimaya, Tokyo

2016 Two-person exhibition, Art for thought, Tokyo

2010 Bitoukai, Art Gallery Tobu, Tokyo

PRIZES

2022 Excellence Award, Tobiten Ceramics Exhibition, The Ceramic Art Sciety of Japan

Mayor of Okayama Award, Chugoku Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition

Okayama Prefecture Superintendent of Education Award, Okayama prefectural Art Exhibition

2021 Honorable Mention, International Ceramics Festival Mino

2019 Incentive Award, Tobiten Ceramics Exhibition, The Ceramic Art Sciety of Japan

2017 Selection, Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition

2016 The Sanyo Newspaper Company prize, Chugoku Exhibition of the Japan Traditional Art Crafts

Selection, Modern Tea Ceremony Ceramics Exhibition

Selection, The Hagi Taishou of Contemporary Ceramic

Selection, Mino Chawan Exhibition

2015 Selection, Kikuchi Biennare in Musee Tomo

Selection, Cyozasyo Tokoname Biennare

2009 Excellence Award, Tanabe Museum of Art "Tea Ceremony Formative Arts Exhibition"

2002 Okayama prefectural governor prize, Okayama prefectural Art Exhibition

2001 Incentive Award, Tanabe Museum of Art "Tea Ceremony Formative Arts Exhibition"

2000 Selection, Chugoku Exhibition of the Japan Traditional Art Crafts