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Open · Until 5 Mar 2028

A Shared Journey

The Barkan Contemporary Ceramic Collection at the RISD Museum

Akio Takamori 高森昭夫, Japanese (1950–2017; b. in Nobeoka, Japan), Boy, 1996. Gift of Hope and Mel Barkan. RISD Museum, Providence, RI. Photograph by Robert Puglisi Photograph by Robert Puglisi

Akio Takamori 高森昭夫, Japanese (1950–2017; b. in Nobeoka, Japan), Boy, 1996. Gift of Hope and Mel Barkan. RISD Museum, Providence, RI. Photograph by Robert Puglisi Photograph by Robert Puglisi · License

A Shared Journey is on view at RISD Museum, Providence, United States, until March 5, 2028.

Last verified October 28, 2026 · Official source ↗

This exhibition highlights the evolution of clay from a functional material into a dynamic medium for contemporary fine art. Works created by nearly 40 artists demonstrate bold, sculptural approaches to ceramics from the mid-twentieth century onward. Drawn primarily from Hope and Mel Barkan's recent gift, the display at the RISD Museum also incorporates contemporary pieces from the institution's permanent collection.

Venue

  1. RISD Museum
    Providence, United States · September 13, 2025 – March 5, 2028
    Until 5 Mar 2028

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Images

Ceramic sculpture of a boy standing upright with hands clasped behind his head, wearing black shorts, tank top, and sandals, his body rendered in solid black-and-white and stylized outlines.

Akio Takamori 高森昭夫, Japanese (1950–2017; b. in Nobeoka, Japan), Boy, 1996. Gift of Hope and Mel Barkan. RISD Museum, Providence, RI. Photograph by Robert Puglisi Photograph by Robert Puglisi

Akio Takamori 高森昭夫, Japanese (1950–2017; b. in Nobeoka, Japan), Boy, 1996. Gift of Hope and Mel Barkan. RISD Museum, Providence, RI. Photograph by Robert Puglisi Photograph by Robert Puglisi · License · Source ↗