We will be hosting Aki Tamamiya’s solo exhibition titled “Life with a Pot” at the gallery “BaBaBa” in Takadanobaba, Tokyo.

We will be hosting Aki Tamamiya’s solo exhibition titled “Life with a Pot” at Case Study Studio “BaBaBa,” based in Takadanobaba, Tokyo. With the concept of “Seeing the Back / Creating / Connecting,” BaBaBa focuses on the processes and philosophies behind things, carefully conveying events. Aki Tamamiya, a ceramic artist, will showcase her exhibition at BaBaBa. “Life with a Pot” is about living with pots. Pots have been used as essential items in daily life, such as storing food and transporting water. Their round and bulging bodies, tightly closed mouths, and timeless universality have a mysterious and endearing quality that evokes familiarity. Over time, pots, which were originally household utensils, have transformed significantly and now serve primarily as decorative elements, used for arranging flowers and as interior accents at entrances and living spaces. Aki Tamamiya creates pots and vessels that are wood-fired without glazes, using a slow firing process. Her works have a rustic texture that reflects soft light and shadows, silently captivating viewers and naturally drawing their attention. When visiting Tamamiya’s home, one can see pots seamlessly blending into everyday life and nature. Antique furniture passed down from her grandmother is adorned with pots containing seasonal flowers picked from the garden in the early morning. A large pot hanging at the eaves of her house provides a home for small creatures, gently covered with a bamboo blind. “Pots are precious because they are simply there, providing a sense of comfort,” says Tamamiya. For her, pots are essential tools for leading a peaceful daily life. The reason pots have been a constant presence throughout human history is perhaps because they are versatile and deep vessels, allowing users to freely determine their purpose and role. The exhibition will showcase around 150 pieces, including Tamamiya’s latest works fresh from the kiln, focusing on pots but also featuring flower vessels, plates, cups, and more. The venue will recreate landscapes that offer glimpses of the universal perspective on Tamamiya’s pots. Additionally, there will be an installation featuring flower arrangements by ikebana artist Mario Hirama, who visited Tamamiya’s studio and drew inspiration from her work. From ordinary daily life to elegant scenery, this exhibition provides an opportunity to appreciate the allure of pots, which are diverse, full of infinite possibilities. Please pay attention to this exhibition,

“Life with a Pot | Tamiya Aki,” from July 8th to July 28th, 2023, at BaBaBa in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Opening hours: 12:00 – 19:00 (Closed on Wednesdays). The artist will be present on July 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th. Venue: BaBaBa, 2-5-15 Shimochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel: 03-6363-6803. Website: https://bababa.jp. Co-hosted by ikebana artist Mario Hirama.

Presented in collaboration with Utsuwa Shoken KAMAKURA.

Aki Tamiya is a Tokyo-born ceramic artist. She built her kiln in Mashiko in 1996. She began her career as an artist while interacting with Makoto Imase, Ryo Aoki, and others. In 1999, she relocated her base of activities to Shizuoka, where she pursued unglazed firing and continued to create pottery centered around pots in an anagama kiln. For more information, please visit her website: https://tamiya-aki.com.