CROSS CURRENTS: glasswork and ceramics by Keiko Mukaide and Simon Ward

Cross Currents brings together the glass and ceramic work of Keiko Mukaide and Simon Ward, and examines the cultural differences and similarities of two artists from opposite sides of the world. With a myriad of experience of living and working in both Japan and the UK, the exhibition will visually explore fragments of their shared narrative and the sympathies and contrasts between their island cultures.

Currently based in Fife, both artists have exhibited extensively, receiving critical acclaim and international recognition. Ward received the Bronze prize in the Third World Ceramics Biennale in Korea in 2005, and Mukaide is currently exhibiting a 55-foot long installation at Tate St Ives, entitled ‘Light of the North’.

Both artists have travelled extensively in both the UK and Japan and their work is strongly affected by their environment: ‘Our sense of place plays an important role in our creativity and is an integral part of the development of our work’.

To coincide with the exhibition “Cross Currents: glasswork and ceramics by Keiko Mukaide and Simon Ward”, the artists will give an illustrated talk on their work at Daiwa Foundation Japan House on Thursday 20 July 2006 from 2-4pm.