Subtle "distortion"

Born in Kochi Prefecture, Nishida studied ceramics at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts. After working in a Kyoto ware studio, he returned home and became independent, establishing his own studio. Nishida Nobuo's works, characterized by his commitment to delicate craftsmanship, have won numerous awards in Japan, including being selected for the 57th Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition and the Grand Prize at the 32nd Tanabe Museum of Art "Chanoyu no Sōgei Exhibition." He is an up-and-coming ceramic artist.

Subtle "distortion"

Nishida Nobuo creates works that exude a somewhat "distorted" human-like quality. The extremely delicate and "distorted" shapes are such that even a deviation of 0.1 mm would drastically change the overall impression. Nishida Nobuo's works are filled with subtle "distortion."

There are two main characteristics of Nishida Nobuo's work. One is the brush-like patterns that emerge on the porcelain surface. The other is the delicate, irregular shapes of the porcelain mentioned above.

First of all, although at first glance the pattern appears to have been painted with a single stroke, in reality it is the result of multiple layers of paint being applied with a brush and then wiped off with a sponge, etc. Nishida describes this wiping process as "painting white," and in the porcelain space, the brushstrokes create rhythm and a three-dimensional effect through the use of different shades, including white.

In Nishida Nobuo's porcelain works, the brush strokes are the first thing that catches your eye, but the more you look at them, the more you can see the high level of sense and technique in the delicate and "irregular" shapes. Nishida says, "My complexes are taking shape." He says it's a longing for humanity. Originally, he was good at creating near-perfect mechanical shapes. Perfect shapes sound good, but there was no "humor" that tickles human sensibilities. He was drawn to the interestingness of human distortion. Each piece shows delicate "irregularities," such as a slightly tilted pot with a slightly off-centered center and a wavy vase. This "irregular" interest is not something that happens by chance, but is only possible with the high level of technique that allows him to create mechanical objects. It's not just interesting. It's only through the handiwork of someone who has been working with pottery for a long time that refined and humorous porcelain works can be created.

This simple yet distinctive brush stroke pattern, combined with Nishida's attention to form, gives the work a human, irregular quality that is so characteristic of Nishida.

Yoshio Nishida

Biography
Born in Kochi Prefecture in 1975
2000 Graduated from Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts, Department of Crafts, Ceramics Course
2001: Completed the Kyoto City Industrial Research Institute Ceramics Course
2002 Graduated from Kyoto Prefectural Ceramic Technical College, Molding Department
2004: Became independent in Nankoku City, Kochi Prefecture
2014 Solo Exhibition at Kochi Daimaru
2016 Solo Exhibition at Kakiden Gallery
2024 Solo Exhibition at Ginza Ippodo

Ippodo Yohei Okamura