The Shadow of Sodeisha, Japanese and Irish Art in Clay. Exhibition: The National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin. 2017-2018

This research investigates the influence of post war Japanese Ceramics (Sodeisha) on contemporary Irish and Japanese Ceramic Artists. Established in 1948, the Sodiesha Group were the first Japanese potters to controversially reject function in their practice. This funded research investigation sought to explore influential legacy in Ireland and Japan 75 years later. In 2015, following a research visit to the Lafcadio Hearn Gardens in Tramore, Co. Waterford, Moore began this research. This artefact is one of location and memory. ‘Yingge Tower’ underpinned the influence of the far east for Moore, with geographic topography referenced in the piece. Its celadon glaze a tribute to ceramic traditions from Asia. Hearn, a poet and journalist had long established links between Ireland and Japan. Moore questioned ‘How can we examine these connections between Ireland and Japan, through Ceramics?’ He proposed an exhibition, to the National Museum of Ireland and the Embassy of Japan in Ireland, to celebrate the 60th anniversary (2017) of the diplomatic accord between Ireland and Japan. In 2016, Moore furthered this international collaborative research, circulating a significant essay by Smithsonian Scholar Louise Allison Cort (2003), enabling one year of studio reflection, in response to the abstract philosophy of the Sodeisha Group. Moore’s research outputs were inspired by onsite location at Lafcadio Hearn Gardens, entitled ‘After Lafcadio’ and ‘The Guillamene’. ‘After Lafcadio’ was a tribute to Hearns poetry, inspired by the layered topography of the Gardens. The Guillamene is a tiered swimming platform in Tramore, often visited by Moore. Following the independent selection of Moore’s work, he was asked to co-curate the exhibition.‘The Guillamene’ is a tribute to childhood fearlessness, celebrating youth, courage and innocence. It is influenced by a still functioning Victorian diving cove in Tramore. As a child Moore would climb to highest diving point and plunge into the sea.