Otani Workshop, born in Shiga Prefecture in 1980, is a distinguished Japanese artist celebrated for his innovative ceramic sculptures that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Adopting the moniker “Otani Workshop” in 2005, he has established himself as a leading figure in modern ceramics. Currently based on Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, Otani operates from a spacious studio equipped with a monumental kiln, allowing him to create his signature large-scale works.

His creations are characterized by their rough, coarse-grained clay textures and playful, endearing forms, often incorporating materials such as wood and iron. This distinctive approach has garnered international recognition, leading to exhibitions at prominent galleries worldwide. Notably, Otani is represented by Perrotin, with locations in Paris, Hong Kong, New York, Seoul, Shanghai, and Tokyo, as well as Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo.

Otani’s work has been featured in significant group exhibitions curated by Takashi Murakami at Blum & Poe galleries in Los Angeles and New York. His 2016 solo exhibition at Kaikai Kiki Gallery, titled “When I Was Seventeen, I Learned About Giacometti from My Art Teacher and Became Drawn to Sculpture—and So I Make Sculptures Now,” further solidified his reputation as an artist who seamlessly blends ceramics and sculpture in compelling ways.

Through his unique fusion of materials and forms, Otani Workshop continues to push the boundaries of contemporary ceramics, captivating audiences worldwide with his imaginative and thought-provoking creations.