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Traveling exhibition ‘The Superlative Artistry of Japan’ makes MC debut July 26 at Clayton Center for the Arts

July 17, 2023

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, the Clayton Center for the Arts and the Japan Foundation will co-present “The Superlative Artistry of Japan Exhibition,” opening July 26 at the Clayton Center’s DENSO Gallery.

The gallery, located inside the Clayton Center — 502 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville — is named for DENSO, the Japanese-based global manufacturer of automotive components with a Blount County operation of more than 4,000 employees and is also a sponsor of the exhibit.

What is Superlative Artistry?

Superlative Artistry “refers to a creative skill or ability of the highest quality or degree,” according to the exhibition’s website. Through this exhibition, organizers aim to introduce Japan’s creative culture, which honors craftsmanship and devotion to the production processes. This traveling exhibition has compiled more than 30 works that emphasize highly skilled techniques, ingenious expressions and concepts, and a high level of perfection. 

“We hope that through this exhibition, the visitors can experience Japan’s creative culture and monozukuri (literally translated to “the making of things”) spirit through this theme of Superlative Artistry,” the website continues. “Starting with craft works from the Meiji era (1868-1912), this exhibition features items across a wide range of genres, including contemporary art, craft works, food samples and shokugan (small toys sold with candy).”

The exhibition, which will be on display from July 26 through Aug. 11, is free and open to the public, and no appointment is required. The Clayton Center galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

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