Shinya Tanoue

Born in 1976 in Kyoto, Shinya Tanoue's artistic journey took an unexpected turn when he discovered the fascinating world of clay within a ceramic club. This unforeseen encounter propelled him onto the path of ceramics, shaping his artistic destiny. After delving into the study of theology, Shinya pursued his formal education at Doshisha University in Kyoto. In 2003, he further honed his skills and artistic vision at the Kyoto Saga University of Arts.

Drawing inspiration from the ground-breaking Sodeisha movement, which emerged in Kyoto in 1948, Shinya’s approach to art embodies the spirit of creative liberation and rebellion against traditional ceramic norms.

This movement, which boldly diverged from the prevailing Mingei or folk-art movement, left an indelible mark on the ceramic landscape for over half a century until the late 1990s.

Within the realm of his experimental ceramics, Shinya fearlessly explores the capabilities of his chosen medium, infusing it with emotional depth and a sense of wonder. Exhibiting remarkable simplicity and elegant aesthetics, his creations inject a fresh perspective into the rich Japan's ceramic heritage. For Shinya, clay pulsates with life, becoming a conduit for expressing the very essence of existence. Employing a coil technique and working with three types of clay, he meticulously sculpts his ceramics, employing two slips to achieve the desired effect. Intricate surface carving bestows upon his works a distinctive texture and relief. To further enhance their allure, he adorns the interiors with a lustrous blue-glazed finish.

The recurring motif of the shell shape has been a central element in Shinya’s ceramics since 2007. Symbolically, this form represents both the protective cocoon that nurtures life and the membranous support that sustains our existence. It evokes the eternal cycle of life and death, drawing inspiration from the intricate web of existence. Shinya frequently employs a cobalt-blue glazed interior, reminiscent of the vast ocean and serving as a metaphor for the wellspring of life. The subtle rough patches within the azure depths evoke oxygen, akin to the rhythm of breathing underwater. The carved lines embedded within his creations not only serve as decorative motifs but also signify the vital energy coursing through the human form.

Shinya’s artistic achievements have garnered widespread recognition, including prestigious awards such as the MINO International Ceramics Competition. His works grace exhibitions both in Japan and abroad, standing as powerful exemplars of Japanese contemporary ceramic art. The esteemed collections of The Museum of Kyoto, The Museum of Ceramic Art in Hyogo, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art proudly display his captivating creations, attesting to his enduring legacy.

Selected works