We are delighted to present a solo exhibition of sculptor Ryoichi Yamazaki.This marks his second solo show at our gallery, following the Drawing Exhibition held in 2017.
On this occasion, we are pleased to unveil for the first time the ceramic works he has been diligently creating since 2011, along with related image drawings — a total of approximately 40 pieces.　
We warmly invite you to experience the ever-expanding world of Ryoichi Yamazaki.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the gallery.


[Artist’s Statement]
　“About eleven years ago, I began working little by little on ceramic pieces, and now that I have finally gathered enough works, I am able to present them in the form of a solo exhibition. From here on, I intend to continue producing ceramics on a regular basis, so there may be more opportunities to see these works in the future.

　Up until now, my sculptures have been made almost exclusively with plaster, but I had long been exploring the possibility of expressing myself through other materials. Ceramics, made with clay I had worked with for many years, seemed to offer a way to bring out new modes of expression — combining my past experience with the unique qualities of this material. With the support of my friend, the Hagi ware ceramic artist Yasushi Okada, I have been steadily pursuing this path.

　In this exhibition, many of the works depict faces. Part of this comes from my personal fondness for creating faces, but also from my desire to shape large, massive forms — something like rocks or boulders. This wish to work with such sculptural volume is one reason behind it, but another lies in iwakura, the ancient Japanese belief in the sacredness of rocks. That sense of spiritual presence is also embedded in these face works. ”


[ Ryoichi Yamazaki Biography ]
1976　Born in Tokyo
2002　Graduated from the Department of Fine Arts, Sculpture Course, Tokyo Zokei University
2004　Completed Research Program in Fine Arts, Tokyo Zokei University; began full-scale career as an artist
2007　Participated in BankART Studio Program, BankART Studio NYK, Kanagawa
2009　Published artbook “Leave me alone” (Geijyutsu Shinbunsha)
2022　Released first editioned work; has since presented new editions annually
2023　Launched a limited-edition collaboration mug with Noritake, ART NAGOYA (Aichi)

Received the Prix International Takifuji Art Award and the NEXT DOOR T&G ARTS Prize from the Pigozzi Collection
Present　Continues to present works at art festivals, art fairs in Japan and abroad, and solo exhibitions