GORO: Expression in Five Forms

Lacoste/Keane Gallery is pleased to present Goro: Expression in Five Forms, a solo exhibition with the contemporary Japanese ceramic artist Suzuki Goro, November 2 –26 in our Concord MA gallery. To coincide with the opening of this exhibition, the artist traveling from Japan will give a public talk about his works and motivations on Sunday November 3^th.

Suzuki Goro is internationally renowned, began his career as an artisan potter. His life changed when he went to the USA in 1969 coming in contact with pop art and the importance of ideas to the artist.

Suzuki Goro returned to Japan determined to be an artist with full expression and individualism. This resulted in the innovative “Goro” style. His works embody the spirit of the Momoyama period Japan 1573 -1615 (characterized by free expression and eccentricity) and his own expressions. According to Masahiro Karasawa from The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo “works that are evocative of both Momoyama ceramics and the modern artist are surprisingly rare. Against this background, one contemporary artist who has been most successful in expressing his individual viewpoint in his work is Suzuki Goro.” – excerpt from essay ‘Suzuki Goro Shino’

Bento boxes, chawan, mizusashi, tokkuri and guinomi are freely painted with motifs and symbols specific to him such as the backward crow, the light bulb and lampshade, female nudes and American icons such as the Empire State Building. See Bento Box, Yahichida, 2019. His free, bold use of the green glaze Oribe reflects his spirit. See Mizusashi, Narumi Oribe.`

Click this link to view the exhibition catalogue online

The Japanese art of repairing breaks with gold (born of necessity) is to Goro part of his individual expression. A teabowl can have multiple panels, each an individual painting to which sculptural elements can be added. He can use variety of clay bodies on one piece, to fit the glaze. With this technique, Goro explores his ever-evolving creative ideas. See Chawan, Yobitsugi 2018

Form has always been important to Suzuki Goro. He once set himself the task of mastering each by throwing 1000 pieces a day. In curating this exhibition, we sought to honor him by presenting the Five Forms for which he is most known: Chawan, (tea bowl), Mizusashi (water jar), Sake Bottle, Sake Cup and Bento Box. Each is an instrument for expressing the “Goro” style of sensual and amusing expression.

The title of our show Goro: Expression in Five Forms shares the number five with Goro’s name which means fifth son.

"This is an extremely rare occasion where we can show Suzuki Goro’s definitive and exceptional works expressed in five of his famous forms – Bento Box, Mizusashi, Chawan, Tokkuri and Guinomi. Even rarer, Goro will be at our gallery to attend the Opening reception and give a talk. Certainly, a not to be missed special exhibition that we consider a highlight of the gallery’s history." LaiSun Keane

Click for Concord Journal feature

November 2 – 30, 2019

Press Release