Keita Matsunaga

Born in Tajimi, Japan (an area well known for ceramics), in 1986, Keita Matsuaga currently lives and works in both Tajimi and Kani in Gifu prefecture.

The son of ceramists, his artistic training includes studying architecture at Meijo University, (2010), completing the Tajimi City Ceramics Design Laboratory (2013), and graduation from the Kanazawa Utsatsuyama Crafts Workshop (2016). Matsunaga has shown extensively across Japan in both a gallery setting and in biennales, and has won several awards including the Takaoka Contemporary Craft Competition (2013).

Matsunaga’s ceramic sculptures are a contemporary take on organic forms, inspired by shapes and textures found in nature. Even at a young age, his comprehension of glaze is apparent, seen in the fearless color schemes found on each work. Changing method with each body of work, his evolving artistic practice is indicative of his education – an impressive dedication to keep learning. Matsunaga’s work has its roots in Japanese ceramic tradition but finished with unexpected detail and technique, resulting in a look that is decisively his own.