International Beads Biennale Hiroshima Exhibition Awards 2020
Comments from the Panel of Judges
Mitsuharu Hirose / Knit Designer

I am very pleased that lots of wonderful artworks have been gathered also at thisInternational Beads Biennale. We met various artworks such as three-dimensional works
and works which showed us the possibilities of beads. Also, I felt the expansion of theworld of beads by participate from overseas. I hope that the world of beads and theimportance of "Make objects by the hands" will be conveyed to more people. And I hopethat this Beads Biennale will grow widely with the participation of many people.
Tatsuteru Kimijima / Woodcut Artist

I was amazed at the changes in the works exhibited at the Beads Biennale. This exhibition,
which adds art to costume jewelry, is the birth of supreme art that takes advantage of thecharacteristics of seed beads. The Artwork Category resonates with ideas and skills, andthe Wearable Art Category resonates with high fashionability. Though the exhibition

seems to reach its goal, the number of participants from overseas has increased and it has
become to be known around the world. I am looking forward to seeing even better works.
thank you!

Yoshiko Takahashi / Part-time lecturer at Bunka Gakuen University and Wayō Women's
University This time, I was surprised at the high level of the work in both categorys withall the masterpieces. Among the award-winning works, the judges' eyes focused on several
certain works. It was a fascinating piece of work. Costume jewelries were judged withwearing. They were easy to wear, and they became to be even more attractive whenwearing than looking. I would be glad if participates create works that give dreams,
impress and excitement to the eye of the beholder from now on.

Mutsumi Carpenter / Full-time lecturer at Bunka Fashion CollegeEven made of the same material "glass beads", each artworks showed their own creativities
and I could receive both the passion of creators and stories from their works.

Then I had been in spark joy during the judgement and was able to feel the depth andpotential of the beads at the same time. "A beautiful green earth" which I chose for thespecial award was very impressive. Selection of parts, a well-balanced color scheme waswonderful. Although it has a volume, it is beautiful when worn. Furthermore, it was madewith careful attention to the ingenuity along the body line and the opening and closing
part.

Kimie Suto / Beads Artist

I felt that each work was full of stories and thoughts. I understand well that the thoughtsof the beaders who make the artworks. And I also know that it requires them many

challenges, trial and error, and passion to complete their artworks. I respect them as thesame creator.

Among all wonderful entries, Iskra Stojkovska's “Gratitude for the Beauty of Our Planet
Mandala #1 (Spring Garden)”, which was the grand prize, was a masterpiece. I felt theenergy wrapped in happiness by just looking at it. The gradation pattern calculated indetail was more than amazing also. I really felt that it ﬁts the theme of "beauty, love andpeace".

Mieko Ogura's “Strawberry”, which was the special prize I chose, was a work that made me

feel a lot of ingenuity by wearing it, and the balance between "adding" and "removing" wasvery fascinating. I received the power from the ingenuity seen in every artwork. I hopethat everyone will play an active role in the future, and I would like to enjoy the bead life
together. Thank you very much.
Emi Yamada / Beads Artist

There were also applications from overseas to Artwork Category and Wearable ArtCategory. The judgement was ﬁlled with the works of wonderful design and technique.

Among them, the Artwork Category “HAPPINES BAG” was given as a special prize. As thename suggests, it is a work that seems to bring "happiness" with a creative embroiderybag. The handle part, which reminded me of the lips when smiling, made me smile.
Hiroe Takagi / Beads Artist

Beautiful seed beads made by craftsmen with all their heart. By picking up the beads one
by one and shaping them, it will be reborn to an artwork made of beads. Even if you don't
understand the language, it will be a power to connect people's hearts beyond the nation.

The grand prize work “Gratitude for the Beauty of Our Planet Mandala # 1 Spring Garden”
has a sense of security and stability due to its circular shape. I felt the power of the beautyof each bead to comfort the hearts of the viewers with love. For the special prize, I chose“Let's make indigo (love) ﬂowers bloom”. In this artwork are used the Kumihimo(braid), as
one of the materials. The knots and connections are beautifully expressed. I think it will
heal the hearts of people who tend to be blocked by COVID-19.
Iwao Yamanaka / President and CEO of TOHO CO., LTD.

This is the 4th International Beads Biennale Hiroshima 2020. This time, we were planning

an exhibition at Miyajima, a world heritage site in Hiroshima Prefecture, at the same timeas the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Unfortunately, it was postponed due to the global expansionof the coronavirus. This time, although it was a year late, the examination was conducted. I
was able to be the witness of wonderful works from bead artists all over the world and felt
the endless power of bead art. Although in the midst of a global pandemic, it seems thatbeads, which have an inseparable relationship with humans since ancient times, show thepower which they give to humans through bead arts. I would like everyone to feel that theworks of glass beads created by artists from all over the world brightly illuminate theworld.