Installation view, SUEMURA SHOBUN

SUEMURA SHOBUN
Closing Saturday, October 4, 2025
1601 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM

Don’t miss this rare chance to experience a retrospective of Suemura Shobun (1917–2000) at TAI Modern before it closes! A true son of Osaka, Shobun’s finest works are on display, spanning his prolific career from 1941 to 1996. For the first time, pieces from across his entire career are shown together in the gallery—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Suemura Shobun was born in 1917 as Suemura Bunzo in Osaka. After graduating from Imamiya Junior High School, he was apprenticed for five years to Yamamoto Shoen (also known as Chikuryusai I), a respected bamboo artist well known for his karamono-style flower baskets. Suemura became independent in 1941, taking the artist’s name “Shobun”: “Sho” meaning flute, as an homage to Yamamoto Shoen, and “Bun” from his given name. However, he had been independent for less than a year when he was drafted and assigned to work in a factory for the war effort. Suemura would not return to working with bamboo until almost a decade later.

In 1951, Suemura had his work accepted into Nitten, the annual exhibition mounted by Japan’s most prestigious fine arts organization, for the first time and would go on to be shown thirty-six more times. He won several awards at the Kansai Exhibition and the Osaka Craft Arts Association Exhibition. In 1962, he was admitted to the Japan Modern Craft Arts Exhibition and later became a full member after winning ten times consecutively. He later exhibited his work as part of a modern craft arts exhibition, sponsored by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which traveled to major cities in the U.S., Europe, the South Pacific, South Africa, and Australia. The City of Osaka gave him an award of appreciation in 1973. He then became a trustee, judge, and honorary member of the Japan New Craft Arts Association. He has held over forty-five private exhibitions of his art. Suemura passed away at the age of eighty-six in 2000.

The works that Suemura became best known for are made from whole culms of black bamboo. According to the artist, “I like working with black bamboo from Kyushu, which has traditionally been used for making fishing poles. When I use this bamboo, the nodes express distinct patterns and rhythm – I find that visual effect so beautiful.” Suemura used this bamboo to create dynamic compositions that swoop, roll, curve, and coil. Haze, a major exhibition piece from 1962, is a stunning example of Suemura’s original style and creative prowess. However, you will see pieces made from susutake, madake, and hobichiku bamboo in a range of styles as well.

To learn more and view their online catalog, click here.