Yamaguchi Ryuun and Kibe Seiho
August 7 through August 15, 2009
Reception Friday, August 7 from 5 to 7p.m.

For the Yamaguchi Ryuun online catalog, click here
For the Kibe Seiho online catalog, click here

TAI Gallery is pleased to announce the two-artist show of new artwork by Yamaguchi Ryuun and Kibe Seiho.  Driven by the fire of their creativity, both artists make artwork true to their individual vi sions, winning many awards in Japan and having work in many collections here in the U.S.  Both artists will be present at the opening reception Friday, August 7th, from 5 to 7 p.m., at TAI Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

At age 23, Yamaguchi discovered his artistic voice as an apprentice to National Living Treasure Shono Shounsai.  Inspired by Shono’s example, Yamaguchi has a deep desire to express himself through his artwork.  He is moved by the wonders of the natural world, capturing the essence of the beauty of flowers or the flow of water, in his artwork.  Now at the age of 68, Yamaguchi has received more that 25 important prizes, including Beppu City Mayor's Award and the Oita Prefecture Governor's Awards.  Yamaguchi’s artwork has been purchased by the Oita Prefecture Art Hall, Oita City Museum of Art, the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the San Francisco Asian Art Museum.


In his thirties, Kibe Seiho resisted family pressure to take over the family farm.  He left his job as a gas station attendant and became a bamboo artist.  Without formal training, Kibe developed his intuitive understanding of technique and proportion by steeping himself in traditional Japanese styles.  Now in his late fifties, Kibe’s contemporary sensibility, combined with a deep understanding of tradition, gives him a natural ability to create a work of art of quiet beauty.

Kibe became a full member of the Japan Craft Arts Association in 2000 and has won prestigious prizes at regional and national exhibitions thereafter.  In 2004, he was a finalist for the Cotsen Bamboo Prize.  Kibe's baskets are in the permanent collection of the Denver Art Museum and the San Francisco Asian Art Museum.