Norihisa Mizuta × KYO AMAHARE "Unintentional or Intentional"
This autumn, on the second floor of KYO AMAHARE, we will host an exhibition by the sculptor Norihisa Mizuta. The theme of this exhibition is "Unintentional or Intentional."
The pieces include works born from "unintentional" creation, where Mizuta carved into driftwood, sensing the form it wanted to take, as well as pieces that embody "intentional" creation, crafted according to his desired vision.
Please enjoy the beautiful and fleeting space where both approaches harmoniously coexist within the 130-year-old machiya townhouse.
We sincerely look forward to your visit.
Exhibition Dates
October 24 (Thu) - November 5 (Tue), 2024
- The "Unintentional or Intentional" tea gathering on October 24 (Thu) is open exclusively to registered guests. Please reserve via TableCheck.
- No reservation required starting October 25 (Fri).
- Closed on Wednesdays
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Close at 6.00 PM on November 5)
Artist On-Site Dates
October 24 (Thu), 25 (Fri)
Location
KYO AMAHARE @kyo_amahare
127 Aburaya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8063
TEL: 075-256-3280
E-mail: kyo@amahare.jp
水田典寿 × 万yorozu × 茶房 居雨
「無作為と作為」
On 10/24/2024 (Thu) and 10/25/2024 (Fri), at the tearoom KYO, we will hold tea gatherings, "Unintentional and Intentional," offering a hands-on experience of the world of the exhibition hosted at KYO AMAHARE.
On the day of the event, Noritoshi Mizuta himself will join us, sharing insights about his works as guests enjoy tea and sweets—a special occasion indeed. Attendees of the tea gathering on Thursday, October 24th, will have the privilege of being among the first to view Mizuta-san’s exhibition.
We look forward to welcoming you all to this event.
Tea Gathering "Unintentional or Intentional" @sabo.kyo_amahare
- Scenery: Norihisa Mizuta
- Tea: Kana Ogushi (KYO)
- Sweets: Konbuya Magobei
- Cuisine: so/s/KAWAHIGASHI
- Curator: Suguru Tokubuchi of Yorozu
Date #1: October 24 (Thu)
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (exhibition tour following tea gathering)
Venue: Sabo KYO
Date #2: October 25 (Fri)
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Venue: Sabo KYO
Admission: 8,800 yen (tax included)
Reservations: Available Here
Payment: Please complete payment via online credit card at the time of reservation.
Note: Cancellations within 72 hours of the event will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
Enjoy the unique ambiance and thoughtfully curated menu created exclusively for this special evening.
Seiryu, Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu.
“When holding an exhibition in Kyoto, it would be wonderful to create the Four Guardians that protect the ancient capital.” This is the delightful idea Mizuta-san shared during our exhibition planning meeting.
Known for his signature wooden sculptures, Mizuta-san carves driftwood into the forms he senses they wish to become, creating works born from "unintentional" creation.
For this exhibition, it seems he will bring forth pieces where his intention—clearly defined by creating the Four Guardians—blends with his unintentional approach, resulting in a unique display where “intentional” and “unintentional” coexist in harmony.
The beautiful tear that falls from the eyes of a small animal curled up in peaceful sleep. This tear, an "unintentional" occurrence, emerged by chance during the creative process.
One can't help but be drawn to its gentle expression, sleeping quietly in the soft light.
I was captivated by this piece standing quietly in Mizuta-san's atelier. When I asked, "Is this a rooster?" he shyly replied, "Perhaps so."
Mizuta-san never uses any model or reference when creating his works. He simply carves, focusing intently on the form he envisions within himself. So, this piece is something like a rooster. It carries a sense of "space" that Mizuta-san has left for the viewer's imagination.
This space allows us to engage in a dialogue with ourselves through the artwork, enabling a deeper connection with the piece.
"Have you ever found trees in the forest that seemed to have faces and felt a bit scared?" This was a question Mizuta posed to me.
It brought back childhood memories of the joy of discovering something unknown and the inexplicable sense of awe. As adults, we gain a sense of logic, and that sensitivity seems to gradually fade. This piece is titled Yajirobee.
Every time I see one of Mizuta’s works, filled with pure-heartedness, I reflect on where my own childlike spirit has gone. Because that childlike spirit remains within Mizuta, his "unintentional" creations radiate a gentle warmth, and even his "intentional" works have the clear, innocent gaze of a young boy.
Through the exhibition and tea gatherings, I hope these encounters with Mizuta's work and vision will help us all reconnect with something precious we've long forgotten.
Please look forward to experiencing both Mizuta’s “unintentional” and “intentional” creations.
Photo / Eri Masuda
Text / Kenichi Kaneko（AMAHARE）