BEAUTIFUL IMPERFECTION: MARY’S KINTSUGI PAINTINGS IN BUNCLODY
AN EXHIBITION by a Wexford artist who has become fascinated with Japanese culture, opened in Bunclody’s Art Bank studio last weekend and will continue until Christmas Eve.
The title of the show by Mary Wallace is ‘Hokesi: Little Gems’ featuring paintings of beautiful little bowls, inspired by the Japanese artform kintsugi or the repair of broken porcelain using gold.
‘ This year, intrigued by the Japanese idea of beauty found in imperfection, I have created a body of paintings unlike anything I have done before,’ said Mary.
The Japanese see the break as integral to the object and value this imperfection as part of its beauty. By using gold, the flaw is given respect and the preciousness of the piece is enhanced.
The concept of wabi-sabi represents the acceptance of transience and imperfection, beauty that is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. This is also reflected in the philosophical idea of embracing beauty in imperfection, acceptance of change and fate as aspects of human life.
As we heal from damage, loss, grief or trauma we are strengthened and become better from these experiences.
Kintsugi is thought to have originated in the late 15th century when the favourite tea bowl of the shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, was broken and sent for repair. When it was returned, the pieces were held together with ugly metal staples. The shogun was furious and ordered the Japanese craftsmen to look for a more aesthetic solution.
Collectors became so enamoured with the new art that some were accused of deliberately smashing valuable pottery so it could be repaired with the gold seams of kintsugi.
Kintsugi became closely associated with ceramic vessels used for chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).
Celebrated for her lively and colourful paintings, Mary Wallace has a unique style. She uses beeswax, egg tempera and gold leaf with a concentrated energy.
Mary lives and works in Wexford. She has exhibited extensively since 2001 and has organised and curated a number of exhibitions. In 2010, she was appointed as a Heritage Specialist by the Heritage Council.