Artist: Jun Kaneko
Title: Oval
Medium: Glazed Stoneware, Cearmic
Dimensions: 27.5"h × 22.25"w × 3"d
Year: 2003
Inscription: Glazed signature and date to underside, "Kaneko 03"
Documentation: Includes original gallery paperwork from the date of purchase in 2006
Created in 2003, "Oval" exemplifies Jun Kaneko's exploration of scale, surface, and form within the medium of ceramics. Measuring nearly two and a half feet tall, the work's size transforms the ceramic work into an immersive sculptural. The large, flattened form feels simultaneously substantial and weightless, its volume offset by the elegance of its contours and the refinement of its surface treatment.
In "Oval", Kaneko continues his lifelong investigation into how pattern can define and transform form. The design does not simply decorate the surface but becomes integral to the sculpture's identity, uniting structure and ornament in a single visual statement. Despite its simplicity, the work carries an unmistakable sense of monumentality—an effect achieved not through overt gesture but through proportion, balance, and the quiet authority of its presence.
The color palette, restricted to black, white, and tan, reflects Kaneko's disciplined approach to visual harmony. Bold, graphic lines sweep across the curved surface, creating a rhythmic pattern that accentuates the sculpture's form. The contrast between light and dark, matte and gloss, animates the piece as illumination shifts across its glaze. These intersecting lines recall the balance and restraint of traditional Japanese design while also evoking the language of modernist abstraction.
Through this synthesis of form, color, and scale, "Oval" reveals Kaneko's ability to elevate ceramic sculpture beyond its utilitarian origins, positioning it firmly within the realm of contemporary fine art. "Oval" is signed "Kaneko 03" and includes the original gallery paperwork from the date of purchase in 2006.
About Jun Kaneko
Jun Kaneko (b. July 13, 1942, Nagoya, Japan) is a Japanese-American ceramic artist renowned for his monumental sculptures and innovative approach to ceramic art. His work seamlessly integrates traditional Japanese aesthetics with modernist principles, establishing him as a pivotal figure in contemporary ceramics.
Born in Nagoya, Kaneko was introduced to painting during his adolescence under the guidance of Satoshi Ogawa. In 1963, he moved to the United States to further his studies at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. There, he encountered Fred Marer, whose introduction to sculptural ceramics profoundly influenced Kaneko's artistic direction. He subsequently studied under prominent ceramic artists Peter Voulkos, Paul Soldner, and Jerry Rothman, immersing himself in the burgeoning contemporary ceramics movement in America.
Kaneko's oeuvre is characterized by large-scale ceramic sculptures adorned with bold, repetitive patterns. Employing techniques such as masking tape and colored slips, he creates graphic motifs—including spirals, polka dots, and zigzags—that transform his sculptural forms into dynamic visual experiences. His signature "Dango" series, inspired by the Japanese term for "dumpling", features closed, rounded forms that evoke a sense of unity and harmony.
A notable aspect of Kaneko's work is his exploration of scale. His sculptures often challenge traditional notions of size in ceramic art, with some pieces reaching dimensions comparable to that of an elephant. This emphasis on scale not only enhances the visual impact of his work but also invites viewers to engage with the pieces in a more immersive manner.
Beyond his studio practice, Kaneko has contributed to over seventy public art installations worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, China, Indonesia, and Japan. His public commissions often involve large-scale sculptures that interact with their environments, fostering a dialogue between art, architecture, and the public.
Kaneko has also ventured into the realm of opera, designing sets and costumes for productions such as Puccini's Madama Butterfly (2006), Beethoven's Fidelio (2008), and Mozart's The Magic Flute (2012). These collaborations highlight his versatility and ability to translate his artistic vision across different mediums.
Throughout his career, Kaneko has received numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from the Royal College of Art in London, the University of Nebraska, and the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. His work is housed in over eighty museum collections globally, such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Honolulu Museum of Art, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Residing in Omaha, Nebraska, Kaneko continues to push the boundaries of ceramic art, maintaining a studio that serves as a hub for his innovative projects. His enduring commitment to experimentation and excellence ensures his place as a leading figure in the evolution of contemporary ceramics.
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