Masa Suzuki

Born in Japan in1974
Live and Working in London

In my work I have been using traditional Japanese techniques of wood carving in the process of making works which focus on the differences and disjunctions between the religious practices and cultures in the West and in the Orient, and the `mis-readings' that occur between the two cultures.

In my works relate to my interest in the homeless people who beg for money on London's streets. I am very interested in them because I feel that they reflect one of the ironies of British culture. Their lives are supported by the Christian virtue of charity. In Christian cultures, it is a virtue to help those who are suffering and those who are poor. I too believe in this Chiristian virtue of charity which has indeed helped many people, but also realise that it can be problematic-there is the risk that beggars may use the money that they are given to buy alcohol or drugs, which may worsen their situation.

After I came to London, I was very conscious of the presence of beggars holding out their cups for money on the street. Just after the war, people begged for money in Japan, just as beggars do now in London, but it was always unusual. They were mostly those who had lost par...

2009 MA Fine Art City &Guilds of london artschool

1996 BA Fine Art Sculpture Tokyo Zokei University

Group Exhibitions

2008.6
Jago, London

2008.4
The best of six, London

2007.11
The others, London

2007
SPACE WORKS A SCULPTURL EXHIBITION, London

2006
East international /2006, Norwich

2005
Noria Gallery, London

1995
"vector" Setagaya Art Museum, Tokyo

1994
Sculpture symposium in gujo, Gifu

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