Rena Bransten Projects is pleased to announce the return of Jun Kaneko’s exquisite multimedia production design for the San Francisco Opera’s The Magic Flute – a vibrant and dynamic amalgamation of animated digital projections, costumes, and stage props. In anticipation of and overlapping with this production, October 20 – November 20, Rena Bransten Projects will present an installation of Kaneko’s ceramic works from September 22 – Oct 31 at our project space, located only blocks from the War Memorial Opera House.
On view in the gallery window will be a selection of Kaneko’s intriguing Tanuki sculptures – audaciously colorful hand painted ceramic figures based on “raccoon dogs” from Japanese folklore – which are bizarre, kitschy, and absolutely fascinating. Additional to the Tanuki figures will be a selection of Kaneko’s hand glazed cast raku ceramic wall slabs, somewhat tamer in tone but just as intriguing, which champion Kaneko’s exquisite understanding and nuanced use of texture and line. A two channel video loop of costume drawings and footage from the 2012 production of The Magic Flute will also be on view.
Jun Kaneko, born in 1942 in Nagoya, Japan, is best known for his pioneering work in monumental ceramic forms. His unparalleled technical skills as a craftsman, proclivity for pushing the boundaries of aesthetics and scale, and his experimental spirit have defined his illustrious and multifaceted career in public art, set design, and architectural projects. His work is included in numerous international and national solo and group exhibitions annually, and can be found in the collections of more than seventy museums. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Nebraska, the Massachusetts College of Art & Design, and the Royal College of Art in London. He currently lives and works in Omaha, Nebraska.
Check gallery website for hours and additional info
