Past Exhibitions

Joan Takayama-Ogawa

b. 1955

Mimbre, Pattern Painting, and Feminist Inspired Vessels

Mimbre pottery techniques of painted black dots and ovals contrast the simple with the complex, the clear with the obscure, the easily perceived with persistent patience, dark positive space with white negative space, while functional but not for daily use.

The deliberately decorative ideas of the Pattern and Decoration Movement triggered painting the entire surface with repetitive patterns in black, a "non-color" often associated with fine art

Feminist perspectives, associated with displaying food for special occasions on large vessels, recall women's role in the kitchen for celebrations, slowing down, and enjoying good company.

-- Joan Takayama-Ogawa

Image: Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Sushi, 2019. Clay, 4"H x 16"D x 16"W. Image courtesy of the artist.