Nike Kero

Nike Kero - Komorebi 木漏れ日

4/5 - 29/5 - 2024

"Komorebi" is a collection of works inspired by Japan. In Japanese, Komorebi means "sunbeams leaking through trees".

In the exhibition I want to create the feeling of spring as well as autumn. Life is reawakened after the grey of winter and ends with autumn's red display, before the cold and grey tones take over yet again. The cherry trees make themselves known with their beautiful, but short, flowering. The leaves of autumn enjoy the sun's last warming beams.

Exhibited is a variety of individual teapots, plates and bowls, most of which match the tones of autumn. They all have their own unique expressions. A teapot carries many meanings. They invite you to stop, relax, and reflect on life, to turn your gaze up towards the trees to witness the performance of sunbeams leaking through the leaves. It is an opportunity for ceremony and tradition. Just like with the short bloom of the cherry trees, we are reminded to appreciate even the briefest of moments.

My work is carefully handmade, down to the smallest detail. It is fired in a reduction kiln with traditional East Asian glazes that I make myself. Like ’’Komorebi’’, the flames in the kiln find their way, ’’leaking’’ through the vessels.

This celadon green teapot is made out of porcelain and then carved by hand to create the relief that is highlighted by the glaze. Celadon is a traditional glaze that originated from China, usually recognized by its transparent, light green or blue characteristics.

Although I like to make all parts myself, I’ve chosen to collaborate with other artists when it comes to some of the handles for my teapots.

The metal handles are made by Shapoor Akbari, a bronze and metal artist in Gothenburg. I then did the finishing touches using different kinds of threads.

The wooden handles are made by Hjalmar Åberg, a furniture maker and wood artist based in Östersund, and by Yuki Hirose who is also a wood artist, based in Kristianstad.

The tree chosen for this piece comes from my aunt and uncle’s garden.

The ceramic flowers on the tree are actually Kozara, small Japanese plates meant for serving small dishes. Pick a flower and use it for your favorite delicacy. I first developed different shapes of Kozara back in 2021 for an exhibition at Capellagården, Öland. You can read more about them and the exhibition under ‘‘Kaiseki’’ on my exhibitions page.

To further invite the spectator to the calm sense of spring and autumn, I had tea brewing continuously to combine the sense of smell with what you see.