1957 Born in Bielefeld
1984-1992 Study of Japanology and Oriental art history, University of Bonn
1987-1993 Study of lacquer techniques in Wajima, Japan 1996 Opened a workshop in Cologne
2002 Ishikawa International Urushi Exhibition, Kanawa
2007 Passagen, IMM Cologne
2008 Grassimesse, Grassi Museum, Leipzig
2009 Ishikawa International Urushi Exhibition, Kanasawa
2002 Kenji Ekuan Award, Ishikawa, Japan
2003 Otegara Award, Itami, Japan
2007 State Prize of NRW, Special Prize
Heri Gahbler is the first non-Japanese to have graduated from the Institute for Urushi Lacquer Arts in Wajima. Using tools tested over centuries, Gahbler carefully applies layer upon layer of lacquer with a human-hair brush from Japan. Each of these unique and brilliant objects requires 30 separate steps.
The objects bring together calm, concentration, and constancy, properties that compel the beholder to pause and submit to the sensuality of the object.
Gahbler experiments with lacquers and techniques to develop his own language of form. By giving the surface a raw and structured look, he tries to decrease the distance to the beholder.
In his most recent work, Gahbler unites his European cultural understanding with insights from the ancient Urushi technique.
Website
www.urushi-lackkunst.de
