Fine Art

Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan

Randal Wilson

April 9, 2024

Radical Clay exhibition at The Art Institute of Chicago celebrates 36 contemporary ceramic artists—all women—through 40 stunning, virtuosic pieces. The exhibition highlights the surge in innovative and technically advanced artworks created by women artists since 1970. These creations evolved in tandem with, yet frequently independently from, traditional male-dominated Japanese art practices and their opposing movements.

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Chinese-Brocade Ancient Skirt (唐織裳), 2017
Tsuboi Asuka 坪井明日香

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A diverse array of both established and emerging artists, each with distinct styles, are showcased collaboratively to underscore their combined accomplishments and influence.

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Bag Work (フクロモノ), 2018
Tanaka Yu 田中悠

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Mishima Kimiyo (born 1932), Tsuboi Asuka (born 1932), and Ogawa Machiko (born 1946) began their careers decades ago and continue to produce groundbreaking sculpture that pushes the limits of the clay medium.

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Loom II, 2014
Aoki Katsuyo 青木克世

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Konno Tomoko (born 1967), Aoki Katsuyo (born 1972), and Oishi Sayaka (born 1979) are part of younger generations and are represented by thematic groupings ranging from bodily distortion to fantastical decoration.

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Shura (修羅), 2020
Yamaguchi Mio 山口美音

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Despite consistently facing societal expectations, these women have often defied gender limitations. They've done so by either exploring unconventional approaches to traditionally "feminine" subjects, like flowers, or by producing what are traditionally perceived as "masculine" works, such as imposing geological forms.

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Liberation (解放), 2022
Konno Tomoko 今野朋子

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Wandering (彷徨う), 2012
Hattori Makiko 服部真紀子

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Untitled (Crushed Asahi Beer Box), 2007
Mishima Kimiyo 三島喜美代

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Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan

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