Rotations - H. Gen Kozuru

May 4 - September 7, 2008

One of the artists Carl Weyerhaeuser visited during his travels to Japanese ceramic kilns in the early 1970's was Hajime Gen Kozuru, who comes from a long line of Agano-style ceramic families in Fukuoka, Japan.

Carl admired Kozuru's work so much that he purchased over thirty ceramic bowls, plates, tea bowls and vessels from the then thirty-year-old artist. For almost thirty years Kozuru and his wife Mitsue have split their time between their home and ceramic studio in Fukuoka, Japan and an 1847 New England farmhouse/studio in Topsfield, Massachusetts.

In November 2008, Kozuru will celebrate his seventieth birthday, an important milestone. In honor of the long relationship between the Kozuru family and The Art Complex Museum, the museum is honored to celebrate Kozuru's birthday with a one-person exhibition, housed in Rotations Gallery. The exhibition will include functional Agano ware from the museum's collection, as well as new work by this prolific ceramic master. Over his long career, Kozuru has had numerous gallery and museum exhibitions in Japan and the United States. In Japan, he has been the recipient of many awards for excellence.

In addition, Kozuru has written books about the extensive excavations and research he undertook of ancient Agano, wood-fired kiln sites. He conducted research to understand the history, techniques and background of the Agano style and its people.

Kozuru's inspiration comes from his environment; blending elements of New England with those of his native Japan. His work reflects the energy and vigor of this extraordinary man.

Museum Hours:

Wednesday - Sunday: 1pm - 4pm