Concept
URUSHI build the character of architecture.
URUSHI serve time with its color.
Proposing “space with URUSHI”
by inspiration from materials.
Biography
Forming “KANSHITSU” by using “URUSHI”.
Express “Within” as subjects that everything has two faces.
Born in Sapporo, Japan in 1981. Graduated with postgraduate degree from Tohoku University of Art & Design in 2006. Received the technical guidance of the Hirosaki “Tsugaru-nuri” from URUSHI lacquer artisan Tsugumichi Matsuyama(1957-2021), a regular member of Japan Kōgei association.
Watanabe’s work came from the ancient technique “KANSHITSU”,objects of hemp cloths hardened by sap of URUSHI tree. KANSHITSU technique was transmitted from the Nara and Heian Periods (710-1185) , as a tecnique of product buddha statues.
The concept of Watanabe’s work is “inspiration from materials”. Which approach to a space. Watanabe seeks the relationship between “Environment × Urushi × Human”, and propose “Space with Urushi”.
Held solo exhibition, at Spiral Garden in Tokyo (2014) , at MITSUKOSHI in Sapporo (2022). Installed Public Art Work ,Shin-Daibiru in Osaka / Daichi-Mirai Shinkin Bank in Sapporo/ Wakkanai Shinkin Bank in Sapporo / “All Nippon Airline VIP lounge” in New Chitose Airport / SOUSEI SQUARE in Sapporo / Fujiko･F･Fujio Productions CO.,LTD.
Won Chairman’s award from Japan Special Forestry Promotion Organization at exhibition of “Beauty of URUSHI, Japanese lacquer” in Meiji Shrine Treasure House in Tokyo, 2007. In 2008, held first solo exhibition “NOZOMI EXHIBITION” at Daimaru Fujii Central in Sapporo.
Participated at “HOKKAIDO THREE-DIMENSIONNAL ART ’10”, Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art in Sapporo, 2010. “Toronto Art Expo” and “Toronto International Art Fair TIAF”in Toronto, Canada, “Art Shanghai Expo 2010” in Shanghai, China, 2010. Participated at “ULTRA 006”, Spiral in Tokyo, 2013. Held solo exhibition, “material” at Spiral Garden in Tokyo, 2014. In 2015, Installed “Kei” at “Dojima no Mori”, Shin-Daibiru, Osaka. Won Japan Forestry Agency Secretary award at exhibition of “Beauty of URUSHI, Japanese lacquer” in Meiji Shrine Treasure House, Tokyo. Permanently installed her work at “Japan Edition”, Mitsukoshi Ginza, Tokyo.
In 2015 ,Installed “Syaku” at Daichi-Mirai Shinkin Bank in Sapporo. Installed “Sou” at All Nippon Airline・VIP lounge, New Chitose Airport in Japan ,2017. Displayed at “Exhibition of THE DORAEMON TOKYO 2017”, Mori Arts Center Gallery ,“Exhibition of THE DORAEMON” will travel throughout Japan. In 2018 ,Installed “MAI” at SOUSEI SQUARE in Sapporo.
