"Shades of Red" Lacquer Creations by Katsuji KAMATA 30.12.2022 - 20.1.2023

Curated and presented by The Gallery by SOIL

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Katsuji KAMATA

Born in 1977 in Mitaka City, Japan, Katsuji KAMATA graduated from the Art Development of Tohoku University of Art and Design in 2000. Kamata then practised lacquer in the School of Lacquer Technique of Ishikawa Prefecture and became a student of Akito Akagi between 2000 and 2005. Kamata has now become an independent lacquer artist since 2006.

Kamata practises kanshitsu the most. He uses wood, plaster and other molds to create a rough core. He will sharpen the surface with sandpaper first. He then pastes linen with a mixture of glue and natural lacquer on it. This process will be repeated for at least two times. The rough core will then be removed, forming a lightweight hollow body made of lacquer and hemp cloth. Kamata will apply natural lacquer layer and layer before a piece of lacquerware is made.

Kamata enjoys every trial and error. The sea and nature where he works nearby offer him the space and environment that he can immerse himself in his making. Kamata does every best of him. To Kamata, seeing people enjoy using his lacquerware is the greatest encouragement and happiness. Nearly every year, Kamata will have his solo exhibition in Japan, showcasing his improvement and his passion about lacquer.

鎌田克慈

鎌田克慈於1977年生於日本三鷹市。在2000年鎌田克慈畢業於東北藝術工科大學的美術系。其後他於石川縣輪島漆藝技術研修所學習漆藝，並在 2000至 2005年期間成為赤木明登的徒弟。自 2006年起，鎌田克慈自立門戶，成為一位漆藝藝術家。

鎌田克慈主要運用乾漆的技術，即脫胎。起初，他會先用木、灰泥或其他模具建造內胎。利用沙紙打磨內胎，再將沾有漆和漿糊的布料貼在內胎表面。這步驟至少重複兩次或以上。待布料和漆乾固後，將內胎除去，輕盈的作品從而成型。鎌田克慈會再為作品的表面逐層逐層塗上天然漆。

鎌田克慈享受挑戰和失敗。靠近大海和大自然的工作室令他能全心全意投入到創作中。鎌田克慈每次的創作都盡心盡力。看見大眾喜愛他製作的漆器是對他而言最大的鼓舞和快樂。幾乎每年，鎌田克慈都會在日本舉行個人展覽，展示他新的進步和對漆藝的熱愛。

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Unparalleled beauty of a handmade craft for special occasions or everyday life.

無論是特別節日或每天使用，漆器都可以保持優雅和耐用。

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The Gallery by SOIL is dedicated to presenting the art of lacquer from Asia. It is probably the first gallery in Hong Kong which brings together lacquer masters and artists of diverse cultures, blending the traditional with the contemporary to showcase variety in the discipline.

Address:

Shop H, G/F Hollywood Building

186 Hollywood Road (Entrance at Upper Station Street)

Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Opening Hours:

12nn - 6pm, Tuesday-Friday

12nn - 6:30pm, Saturday-Sunday

Off on Monday and public holidays

(Please note that we are closed on 1.1.2023)

Enquiry: 2217 9288 / 9559 3908