textural ceramic 'masks' by en iwamura show at ross + kramer NY

en iwamura explores the symbolic Significance of Masks

Ross + Kramer New York presents Mask, the sixth solo exhibition by Japanese artist En Iwamura. On view until March 26th, 2025, the exhibition features more than twenty ceramic works, including Iwamura’s first-ever wall-hanging sculptures. This collection highlights the artist’s evolving exploration of form and cultural symbolism.

The central theme of the exhibition is inspired by the cultural and symbolic importance of masks. Iwamura’s fascination with masks began in his childhood in Osaka, where he was captivated by a global mask display at the National Museum of Ethnology. The collection showcased masks from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, sparking a lifelong curiosity about their origins and variety. Mask reflects both the historical significance of masks in religious, artistic, and ritual contexts and their contemporary relevance in a post-pandemic world.

Masks, En Iwamura, Ross + Kramer New York, exhibition view | images © Grace Dodds

Rediscovering Childlike Creativity

A key driving force behind gallery Ross + Kramer’s exhibition is En Iwamura’s desire to reconnect with a child-like sense of curiosity and creativity. The works in the Mask series embody the artist‘s playful spirit, inviting viewers to explore the mysterious and imaginative possibilities of ceramic art.

In addition to the Mask series, the exhibition features works from Iwamura’s ‘Neo Jomon: Stacking Neighbor’ series. These sculptures were inspired by the artist’s observations of his son exploring the world through play. Like stacked toys, the ceramic sculptures are composed of two parts that fit together dynamically to form cohesive pieces. The vibrant glazes, soft forms, and textured surfaces are hallmarks of Iwamura’s distinctive artistic style.

Masks, En Iwamura, Ross + Kramer New York, exhibition view

Crafting Techniques on view at ross + kramer

Ass seen at Ross + Kramer, En Iwamura’s crafting process involves allowing hand-built clay forms to air dry before using various tools to create intricate surface patterns. These rake-like designs evoke the meditative qualities of Buddhist Zen gardens and draw inspiration from the cord-marked pottery of Japan’s Jōmon period. This technique imbues the sculptures with a sense of historical continuity while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Mask will be on view from January 30th to March 26th, 2025, at Ross + Kramer New York, located at 515 W 27th Street, New York, NY. This exhibition offers a compelling exploration of masks’ cultural significance and invites audiences to reconnect with their innate sense of wonder through Iwamura’s vibrant ceramic sculptures.

En Iwamura, Neo Jomon: Black/White Mask, 2024