TOMOYA SAKAI

Artist Statement

The driving force behind Sakai’s ceramic works lies in his attempt to understand the essence of human existence by exploring the universal yet deeply personal concept of “identity.” Identity, a concept describing how a personality integrated by the self interacts with society and culture, is central to his artistic practice, closely intertwined with the theme of “memory.”

Sakai perceives memory as a composition of human “experiences and personality” and the “worldview” that shapes one’s perception of reality. He considers memory a key factor in the intricate process of identity formation. Through his work, Sakai delves into these memories to uncover the essence of human existence. His signature series has abstractly embodied the “memories of individuals, others, eras, faith, and life itself” using clay and wheel-throwing techniques.

In today’s world, the rapid expansion of information and the compression of distances enabled by advancements in technology and mobility, coupled with the growing emphasis on diversity—spanning ethnicity, race, gender, and more—have brought contemporary individuals into unprecedented contact with a multitude of cultures, societies, and others. Paradoxically, this has led to a loss of identity. Against this backdrop, Sakai’s works prompt viewers to reflect on how their memories and experiences shape their perceptions of the world.

Using the meditative process of wheel throwing, Sakai deconstructs and reconstructs ingrained images, first evoking his own memories. This process results in the ReCollection series, which captures forms existing in the liminal space between unconscious and conscious, abstract and concrete. This exploration enables a redefinition and reexamination of individual identity and the essence of human perception.

Furthermore, Sakai approaches transcendent entities, such as gods and Buddhas—central to the identity formation of humanity—with a unique perspective. By incorporating motifs of “gods” from different times and cultures, he has developed the Spirit series, which can be regarded as “guardians of memory.” Through experimental methods that explore how individuals interpret the imagery of transcendental beings, Sakai sheds light on collective identities and the diversity of perspectives.

In recent years, Sakai has developed the Archē series, focusing on the “primordial memory” that lies dormant within humankind. This body of work attempts to transcend individual and societal backgrounds to touch upon the fundamental memories embedded deep within human existence. Using clay—an accumulation of traces of life—as his medium, Sakai engages with the forms and sensations that emerge, visualizing memories that precede language itself. By stripping away the secondary layers of culture and values, he seeks to reframe the human being as a part of the broader continuum of life.

Through his work, Sakai aims to deepen our understanding of the complexities of human society. He believes that by exploring and acknowledging our differences, we can discover common ground and find ways to coexist more harmoniously. His ceramics serve as a medium for this dialogue, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own identities and the experiences that have shaped them, affirming their sense of self. Through the enduring material and technique of fired clay, Sakai’s art has the potential to carry these reflections far into the future.