Gen Saratani
- The Aesthetics of Restoration –
Discover a Traditional Method as Contemporary Art
Artist Reception, Talk Q&A
February 28th Fri. 6 pm - 8 pm
We are happy to announce that Sara Japanese Pottery will present the second in a series of event to celebrate our 25th years anniversary. This one-night event will feature the artist Gen Saratani.
Gen Saratani, a lacquerware artist working in the United States, is exceptional in his innovative design and style. In addition to restoring worn pieces to their original luster using traditional Japanese lacquer techniques and materials, his work reignites the long-standing art of Japanese lacquerware in our modern day world with imaginative designs and vivid figures.
I first heard about Gen Saratani in a
conversation with my friend and jeweler, Noriaki Niikura. Two yeas ago,
Mr. Niikura spoke to Gen about a beautiful piece of lacquer artwork that was on
display at the SOFA New York Art Expo, to which Gen replied, "You must be
referring to my father's work."
Born in Vienna, Austria, Gen grew up living in Europe, America, and Japan. His father is the renown lacquer artist, Tomizo Saratani. Gen studied at the Traditional Arts School Kyoto, and then moved to Hokkaido for college. After graduating, he returned to Kyoto and apprenticed under a Makie artist before becoming a lacquer and restoration artist like his father. However, Gen found the world of Japanese traditional crafts unappealing, and in 2012 moved to New York in search of a new scene.
He imagined that there is great potential as an artist in restoration work in New York, but it would not be easy to galvanize. He had to start anew and did not know where to begin to make a name for himself.
Examining the skillfully
executed museum quality restoration, I spoke with Mitsuhiro Abe, a colleague
and restoration artist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Abe
described that at a museum, the work of a restoration artist cannot overshadow
the integrity of the original piece. This is true for all museum quality
restoration work, its purpose is only to preserve the beauty and value of the
artwork. Gen's restoration work crosses over into a sphere beyond
restoration. His work has exceeded all of my expectations. Gen's unique
perspective shines and gives new life to the craft. It reaches beyond
other artists in his field.
Gen instills his playful spirit into every piece he restores. Most people cherish their piece in the original form, but after Gen's restoration work they are overjoyed by the new piece they bring home, a piece of artwork with the additional sense and exquisite skill of Gen. When a piece of ceramic is broken, it will never return to it's original state. Gen re-creates pieces that transcend the original form.
At times it seems as if it is a collaboration piece of artwork between Gen and the artist who created the original piece. The owner can again enjoy the piece in its restored condition, and frequently ends up liking the restored piece more than the original.
As Gen has described, "In Japan, I end up getting a lot of commissions to do work that is very specific. In New York, the specifics of the restoration work is up to me."
During the Edo period, a young master would commission a skilled craftsman for a netsuke, a miniature carving attached to the end of a cord hanging from a pouch. The fashion at the time was to recite a favorite poem to the craftsman who would then use the poem as inspiration to create the netsuke. The young master would then wait in excited anticipation for the final result from the craftsman. One can only imagine how enjoyable and amusing this experience must have been.
Often, a very valuable and important piece breaks due to some unfortunate mistake. Surely you can recall a time when this has happened to you. Gen uses his alchemy to recreate the former beauty of the piece. It is indeed an ideal solution and a magical experience to have.
