Keiko Fukazawa

Keiko Fukazawa (born 1955 in Niigata, Niigata, Japan) is a Japanese ceramicist and professor known for her whimsical yet poignant sculptures that often incorporate traditional Asian motifs, while addressing cultural and social issues. Fukazawa's recent work is bursting with vibrant color, but upon a closer look, viewers will find graffiti-like styles that reference violence and modern issues such as globalization, consumerism, and capitalism. Her "functional, though impractical...interpretations of traditional forms serve as a personal vehicle of expression to integrate her heritage with her American environment." She has also explored the concept of break-it-and-put-it-back-together-art, drawing grids to help her reassemble the pieces and making adjustments to get clean breaks. After moving to the United States to escape the limited opportunities for women artists in Japan, she studied at Otis/Parsons School of Art and his since established her art career.