Born in Kyoto in 1988 and raised in a richly creative household by painter parents, En Iwamura has always been immersed in the arts. After earning his BFA in Craft from the Kanazawa College of Art and Craft, he set his sights on the global stage, viewing ceramics not just as a traditional medium, but as a universal language—one capable of bridging cultures, communities, and continents.
Today, En Iwamura’s work explores the dynamic relationship between viewers and the spaces they inhabit. Rooted in the Japanese concept of Ma—a nuanced idea encompassing space, time, and the intervals between—his immersive ceramic installations invite audiences to reflect on presence, proximity, and connection. In this conversation, we delve into how En Iwamura shapes environments that go beyond the visual, offering tactile and spatial experiences that encourage self-awareness and cultural resonance.
Could you tell us a bit about how growing up with parents who were painters led you to your current artistic passion?
I love spending time at my father’s studio and mother’s painting space at home. I love the smell of oil paintings and paper. I went to the Galleries a lot where I can have snack and candy with bitter green tea. White wall and floor can transform to many different wonderland each time I visited the gallery and museums. And it was fun spending time with artist friends of our parents. They are all unique, creative and fun to talk and play with.
What does the Japanese philosophy of “Ma” mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your life and your artwork?
My father works as a professional Japanese gardener as well as art teacher, contemporary artist. He talked me to how to see the tree, stone and woods. I was fortunate to work under the same master when I was 23-4 years old. I could learn how to see the space and object at same time. In short, when we create the garden (=installation) we need to see not only the object it self, but the negative space as well based on the relationship between space and object, time, lights and atmosphere, etc.
What drew you to the mediums you currently work with? Is it motivated by practical means or by aesthetics?
I choose the ceramics accidentally. When I apply the art school, I apply the painting major, but couldn’t pass the exam, then I went to the craft major and touch the materials. I was in the athletic high school and specialized track and field. It was natural for me that using my physical to create something with. Clay is the one of the simple unmediated material I can use the hand to make the form of sculpture. Also, I am inpatient person so I don’t like prepare something before I start working. I like clay because I can work immediately when I arrived studio.
Tell us about a typical day in En Iwamura studio. How do you begin your artistic process?
Drop off my son to his kindergarten at morning. Arriving studio and open the bag of clay. Listening the music or radio when I am doing my thing (this is the happiest moment of the day) at noon, exercise 15-20min (If possible) and continue making something until when I go pick up my son. After he goes to the bed, I do email or paper work until midnight. It is not my favorite part of the day.
What has been your proudest moment so far in your journey?
My family came to my show. That was good. However, I haven’t shown in Japan yet and my parents have not been able to attend the show yet. So my real proudest moment yet to come.
What is one thing you would like the viewers to internalize when they are viewing your various pieces?
Nothing specific. I hope people can enjoy my work as they want to
How do you envision your skills evolving in 20 years from now? 50 years?
I don’t know the skill because I must do something different. I hope my knowledge would evolve.
Could you divulge any details about any new and upcoming projects you are working on?
I am looking some opportunity for public art or other museum shows. If you know, please let me know.
All images of artist En Iwamura, courtesy of Ross + Kramer Gallery, shared with permission
En Iwamura: https://www.en-iwamura.com/
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