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Current Exhibitions Future Exhibitions Back to Exhibitions )
Elizabeth Akamatsu (American, b. Japan, 1959). Sisyphean Lunch, 2003. Steel, bronze, 41 x 9 x 17 inches. Collection of Louisa MacDougal
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Piero Fenci (American, b. 1944). Origami Handbag (With Blue Eyes), 2005. Earthenware, 20 x 18 x 16 inches. Collection of Louisa MacDougal
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Elizabeth Akamatsu (American, b. Japan, 1959). Multiple Piece Narrative–The Story: The Keyhole, 2006. Steel, bronze, 14.5 x 7 x 4.25 inches. Collection of the artist
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Piero Fenci (American, b. 1944). Japanese Pillow with Goose Lid (Gold), 2006. Earthenware, 12 x 14 x 14 inches. Collection of the artist
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Elizabeth Akamatsu (American, b. Japan, 1959). Multiple Piece Narrative–The Story: He, 2006. Steel, bronze, 16 x 6 x 10 inches. Collection of Anna-Karen Dillard
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Piero Fenci (American, b. 1944). Topsy Turvy 2, 2006. Ink on paper, 40 x 43 inches (framed). Collection of the artist
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Piero Fenci (American, b. 1944). White Crown Turbine, 2005. Earthenware, 24 x 17 inches
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Spirited Fusion: Akamatsu and Fenci September 22–October 22, 2006 
This exhibition brings together thirty-eight works by sculptor Elizabeth Akamatsu and cermaicist Piero Fenci, ranging from sculpture to works on paper. These visually stimulating and thought provoking pieces, though very different nevertheless exhibit a connection, a spirited fusion. Elizabeth Akamatsu, sculptor and metalsmith, and Piero Fenci, ceramic artist, not only share a house and studio in East Texas, but also a contemporary approach to object making – creating elegant synthesis out of an abundance of visual information. Though they work traditionally within their chosen media with disparate creative impetus, their resulting works intermix messages, symbols and forms from different cultures. Their creative projects are outgrowths of a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected due to progress in information technology and ease of physical travel. Elizabeth’s exceptionally well-crafted narrative sculptures reflect her formal training as a metalsmith. She fuses stories, symbols and idioms from both Japan and Western Europe in unexpected ways, leaving viewers with a visual puzzle to reflect upon. Her work allows viewers to examine the human condition throughout time, yet her art always remains current and contemporary. For this exhibit, Elizabeth is premiering her latest sculpture based on the window designs of the Akamatsu castle in Japan. Inspired by non-ceramic historical and contemporary utilitarian objects, primarily from Japan and North and South America, Piero creates beautiful and intriguing ceramic vessels. By combining elements from different sources into one cohesive ceramic form, Piero translates fragments of original beauty into his personal language of clay. This may include fusing elements from origami with a Shaker hatbox or pre-Columbian architecture. These juxtapositions are both surprising and delightful in their frankness toward surfaces and boldness in form. Elizabeth Akamatsu was born in Yokosuka, Japan. She earned an MFA degree in metalsmithing from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois (1990). Elizabeth has taught at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and Sam Houston State in Huntsville. In 1995, she became a full-time artist. Her work has been featured in group and solo exhibitions throughout the United States. Piero Fenci, born in Santa Barbara, California, earned his MFA degree from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University in Alfred, New York (1975). Since 1975, Piero has been teaching at Stephen F. Austin (SFA) State University in Nacogdoches. He received the SFA University Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for innovation and excellence in teaching, research and service in 1998. He exhibits his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the country and is included in many private collections. Tyler Museum of Art thanks Elizabeth Akamatsu, Piero Fenci, Dr. Michael Mollot, Louisa MacDougal, Anna-Karen Dillard, Clara Urbahn, and Corinne and Charles Jones for their generosity in making this exhibition possible. The Museum is pleased to present such original work from nationally-recognized artists who live in East Texas. Spirited Fusion: Akamatsu and Fenci is organized by the Tyler Museum of Art. |