Layers - with Wataru Hatano and Tetsuya Ozawa

Our latest exhibition ‘Layers’ brings together the works of two artists, Japanese Washi Paper artist Wataru Hatano and ceramicist Tetsuya Ozawa, under one thought-provoking collection. The exhibition explores the use of layers in artforms, to create a depth and complexity within minimal, abstract pieces. ‘Layers’ describes the textured surfaces achieved by both artists, combining an interest in modern and ancient Japanese tradition.
This exhibition will hold a space encouraging inquisitivity and feature the multi-dimensional display and depth sculpted in Ozawa and Wataru’s work by layering techniques in various art forms. Inspired by japanese sourced materials and traditions, ‘Layers’ explores the creator’s journey from extraction to creation, individuality versus uniformity, cause and effect. 
The Japanese say you have three faces. The first you show the world. The second you show your close friends and family. The third face you never show - it is the truest reflection of who you are. Taking inspiration from this, the collection explores these vulnerabilities in truest forms of art with confidence, their journey to a full-bodied and polished piece, uncovering each layered process.
Tetsuya Ozawa’s work celebrates his disregard for uniformity through ‘kofuki’, a dusting technique developing a contrast layering to his pieces. His application of this to the Toko Name black clay, ‘Chara’, traditional glaze and white soil, sculpts the freedom detected in his designs and their rough textures, comparable to Wataru’s abstract painting. The range of materials, colours and forms Ozawa uses broadens the scope of depth to his collection, boasting contrasts both visually and sensorially. 
Wataru’s pieces feature natural and varied surface textures, achieved through a combination of soil, pigment, acrylic and Japanese paper on wooden board. The “worn away” surfaces in parts, gives his pieces character and a sense of age, the works develop into a multi-dimensional display of its organic journey from Kozo bark, fermentation, paste, to painting. 
The pairing of these pieces creates an intriguing yet calming ambiance, an exploration of organic and unbounded boundaries. 
The pieces work to explore a connection in individuality in the exhibition, through a tactile journey of layering. The contrasting forms and approaches are bound by Ozawa and Wataru’s sourcing of earthly materials, exposure of depth, and character given to each piece through their unique surfaces.