CRACKED MYTHS

In contemporary art, cracked sculptures are sometimes reimagined using the Japanese kintsugi technique (repairing broken pottery with gold), highlighting the beauty of repairs.

The history of Kintsugi

Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese technique of preparing broken ceramics. The cracks and blemishes are painted with gold, silver of platinum lacquer. so, rather than disguising the cracks, they are highlighted to celebrate the history of the object and to realise the beauty in imperfection

Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (accepting transience and flaws), the Kintsugi philosophy suggests that a repaired piece is often more beautiful and unique than the original. This is a modern example produced by the artist Billie Bond.

How it is done

Traditional kintsugi uses urushi (a natural Japanese lacquer) mixed with gold, silver, or platinum. Modern methods often use accessible epoxy resin combined with gold mica powder for a similar aesthetic, or even gold paint.

Why am I using Kintsugi?

I intend that the Kintsugi will highight the effect of a damaging earthquake on human forms and buildings. I will deliberately deface some figures to symbolise the passing of time, the fragility of humanity, and the endurance of classical art. They explore the philosophical idea that beauty is not complete without celebrating scaring, suffering or damage.