Glass Exhibition concludes Asialink Arts’ first Craft Exchange

New Asialink Arts craft exchange between Australia and Japan concludes with an exhibition by Japanese glass artist Takeyoshi Mitsui at Canberra Glassworks.

2016 resident Takeyoshi Mitsui. Photo by Lannon Harley, ACT Government.

Asialink Arts’ inaugural craft exchange between Australia and Japan ended on a high on July 21, with an exhibition showcasing new work by Japanese glass artist Takeyoshi Mitsui.

Takeyoshi Mitsui travelled from Toyama, Japan to conduct a six week residency at Canberra Glassworks’ world glass facilities as part of the Asialink exchange. The residency gave Takeyoshi the opportunity to spend dedicated time exploring new ideas, and share his exceptional skills with the Australian glass community.

Presenting a suite of highly skilled new work developed in the Canberra workshop, the exhibition was the product of weeks of intensive experimentation and production.

Inspired by Australian flora and new forms referencing his family ancestry, many of the works used difficult ‘cold work’ techniques, less commonly used in Australia.

During an interview with ABC Canberra, the artist revealed the surprising fact that he was colour-blind, relying on his sensitive knowledge of tones to achieve beautiful colour combinations and juxtapositions.

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Now back in Japan, Takeyoshi will be re-presenting works he developed in Canberra at the well regarded Toyama Glass Art Museum in Japan this November.

The exchange was the first of a three year partnership between Asialink, Canberra Glassworks and Toyama Glass Studio, supported by Arts ACT. Earlier this year Canberra glass artist John White spent six weeks at Toyama Glass Studio, researching Japanese techniques and developing new works.

Glass artists based in Canberra are encouraged to apply for the next iteration of the ACT-JAPAN Glass exchange, which will take place between June-July next year. Applications for all Asialink Arts residencies will open 29 August 2016 and close 30 September 2016.

To find out how to apply please visit our website.

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Jessica O'Brien

+61 3 8344 2737

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