Current Exhibition

STURT GALLERY – 20 September to 15 November 2020

There is a harmony between nature and practicality in Hiroe’s work.  Her pottery is functional, her artwork gives a simple feeling of “Kokorozukai” or consideration for others.  She expresses her joy through the unique forms of her work to achieve a new and personal sense of art and style.

Hiroe Swen was born in the old capital city of Kyoto, regarded by many as the cultural heart of Japan. At age 23 Hiroe began a 5 and a half year apprenticeship at the Kyoto Crafts Institute under master potter H Hayashi. At that time, female potters were very rare and Hiroe was a pioneer in ceramic society.  She met her future husband Cornel in the mid-sixties and together they migrated to Australia in 1968. Hiroe and Cornel have lived in Australia ever since and throughout her life Hiroe has been a prolific creator of ever changing and evolving hand built ceramics. In 2016, Hiroe-san was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Government of Japan for her contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia.

In this landmark exhibition at Sturt, for one of the most important Japanese-born ceramic artists still working in Australia today, we recognise the 6 decades of Hiroe’s extensive career as well as showcase the stunning new work being made by Hiroe today.