Since her international debut with the gallery in 2020, Tanaka Yū (b. 1989) has emerged as one of the most compelling and iconic contemporary Japanese artists working in clay. Her sculptures—instantly recognizable trompe l’oeil ceramic works resembling objects wrapped in sensuously draped, brightly colored fabric—have captivated collectors and curators worldwide. Today, her works are held in the collections of nearly twenty
prominent international museums.
Building on this extraordinary momentum, Joan B Mirviss LTD is delighted to present Exploring the Unseen: The Sculptures of Tanaka Yū, the artist’s second international solo exhibition. Featuring fourteen new works created specifically for the gallery, the show highlights Tanaka’s artistic evolution over the past six years. In this new body of work, Tanaka continues her exploration of uncertainty, conceptuality, and form. She notes, “I hope that viewing my work offers people an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and discover unexpected thoughts and feelings within themselves.” For Tanaka, the mystery of what lies beneath the wrapped exterior sparks the imagination, inviting viewers to embrace curiosity when encountering the unknown.
In addition to masterful new additions to her celebrated Bundle (tsutsumimono) series, the exhibition premieres works from her newest series: Bound Object (musubimono). In this series, Tanaka pushes her conceptual investigation of veiled forms in a new direction. Moving away from the dramatic fabric knots that anchor her tsutsumimono pieces, the musubimono works appear bound shut with a delicate cord. As this taut cord winds across the ceramic surface, it subtly “reveals” the underlying form beneath, creating heightened visual intrigue. Together, these works highlight Tanaka’s extraordinary ability to blend form, mystery, and illusion in clay.
Exploring the Unseen opens November 5, 2026, and runs through December. Joan B Mirviss LTD will be open to visitors weekdays, 11am to 6pm, and by appointment. The exhibition will also be accessible online at www.mirviss.com.
