Kenjiro Kitade

Jan 25th ~ Feb 16th 2025

Lorimoto Gallery is thrilled to present “Golden Special “ a solo exhibition of ceramic sculptures by artist Kenjiro Kitade, to kick off 2025 and commemorate Kitade's 30th year in New York City.

In this exhibition, we are showcasing a body of work by Kitade that spans his entire career. Beginning with his earlier pieces featuring anthropomorphized sheep figures and progressing to his more recent weapons series, Kitade has remained dedicated to perfecting his preferred medium—ceramics.

“From natural cold earth to gleaming high-fire surfaces, clay is the ancient anatomic medium. It is the medium in which time stands still, ideas are frozen, and yet a civilization is represented for all eternity. By working in clay, I have been able to explore significant issues about our antonymous existence, as Selves that can only be defined by the presence of the other.”

Kitade’s work is captivating on all facets.  His technical ability to manipulate clay, in its purest form of sculpting, combined with glazing and firing—procedures unique to ceramics—is simply superb.

Conceptually, Kitade’s work often narrates the grim essence of human nature. Violence and thoughts surrounding morbidity are cloaked in comical, playful, and adorable representations. Kitade’s work performs a cunning mimicry, blurring the focal point where his thoughts intersect with his meticulous craft.