Naoki Sakai
Naoki Sakai's Wrought Iron
October 18th - October 27th, 2024
展览
Exhibition view
People did not only seek utility in crafts, but also beauty.
In addition to the desired "beauty," the creators found joy in "creating."
This relationship has fostered a high artistic spirit that connects "people" and "things."
I feel joy in being able to be in that environment as a creator, and I create every day.
Naoki Sakai
I was taught that "iron is the nation" and I have always felt the power of iron.
Nowadays, scientific materials have been developed that are lighter and stronger than steel, and opportunities to see steel have become fewer.
Meanwhile, Naoki Sakai continues to work on steel.
I first encountered his work at the World Crafts Triennale exhibition at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where his stylish iron kettles were on display.
It felt modern and different from the works of a kettle maker.
I have long believed that his work goes beyond being a practical craft and is art.
I believe that in the near future, Naoki Sakai's wrought iron art, covering the walls, will be displayed in art museums around the world.
I hope you will have the courage to take on a major project.
Keiko Aono
酒井直树
Naoki Sakai
Born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture in 1973
2003 Completed doctoral course at Tokyo University of the Arts, Metal Forging Laboratory
Doctoral Degree
2003-2005 Part-time lecturer at the same university
2005-2008 Trained at Kanazawa Utatsuyama Craft Workshop
2010-2012 Part-time lecturer at Kanazawa University
2011-2012 Part-time lecturer at Kanazawa College of Art
2013-2018 Specialist at Kanazawa Utatsuyama Craft Workshop
Currently Associate Professor, Department of Fine Arts and Crafts, Tohoku University of Art and Design
Major Awards
2003 Nomura Art Award winner (collection of Tokyo University of the Arts Museum)
2010, 2013, Kanazawa City Craft Exhibition, World Craft City Declaration Commemorative Award
2012, Art and Crafts Promotion Sato Foundation Tamsui Okina Award
2012, 2015, Soukeikai Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Metalwork Exhibition
2013, World Craft Competition, Second Prize
2016 Tableware Award Grand Prize and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award
Ishikawa Traditional Crafts Exhibition Encouragement Award
Soukeikai Public Interest Foundation Soukeikai Grand Prize
2017, Asahi Shimbun Prize, Japanese Traditional Crafts Metalwork Exhibition
2018, Grand Prize, Humboldt Forum Berlin Teahouse Design Competition, Germany
2021 Kanazawa City Cultural Activity Award
2022 Creative Tradition Award