GROUP SHOW:

Dealing in East Asian ceramics from ancient times to the early modern period, Hirano Kotoken presents a selection of antique artworks from China and Korea, exhibited alongside works by some of the gallery’s artists: Yutaka Aoki, Junko Oki, Takuro Kuwata, Ataru Sato, Miwa Kyusetsu XIII, Noritaka Tatehana, Ana Benaroya, and Dan McCarthy. The show will present around 20 pieces in all.

Founded in 1936 by Ryoji Hirano, Hirano Kotoken has long been an important dealer of East Asian antique ceramics for museums and private collectors worldwide. It specializes in Chinese ceramics from the Tang to Ming dynasties, and has extensive knowledge of bronzeware and gold-plated Buddha statues. With its long history and close international connections, it offers a selection of rare pieces, and also a careful selection of Korean ceramics from the Goryeo to Joseon dynasties. For this collaboration with KOSAKU KANECHIKA, Hirano Kotoken features valuable ceramics from the Han and Tang dynasties of China, including sculptural pieces.

This will also be KOSAKU KANECHIKA’s first presentation of work by New Jersey based artist Ana Benaroya. Depicting powerful women with muscular physiques, her work subverts traditional representations of the female figure. She communicates female perspectives, desires, and queer sensibilities, drawn and painted with a vibrant, graphic style influenced by comics and cartoons. Distorted bodies and exaggerated muscles exude strength, idiosyncrasy, and a bold allure, which, together with glimpses of tenderness and coy playfulness, redefine femininity.

In this exhibition “Lai Lai Wang Wang”—the title of which is taken from a Chinese term signifying “back and forth”—contemporary artworks by the gallery artists meet antique ceramic pieces from Hirano Kotoken. Works from different time periods, materials, and contexts come together and reverberate with one another, resulting in an exhibition space where multiple dialogues come and go, uncovering new perspectives at the intersection of contemporary art and antique art.