Kettle 2001

This is ‘Kettle’ by Tamura Roppō, a contemporary Japanese artist, made from iron. It looks so heavy, doesn’t it? Like something forged from the earth itself. I love how Roppō embraces the raw, elemental qualities of iron. The surface is rough, almost geological – a reminder of the metal's origins. This texture is key to the piece, giving it a feeling of timelessness. Notice the small square cutout at the bottom, it gives it a strange, otherworldly beauty. The colour palette is beautifully understated, a symphony of grays and browns, which emphasizes the physicality of the material. This reminds me of the Arte Povera movement of the 60's - Jannis Kounellis comes to mind, but even more pared back and elemental. It’s a celebration of imperfection and the beauty that can be found in simplicity. It invites us to slow down and appreciate the quiet power of the everyday.