ANDREW DAVIES: As a modern day silversmith, Hiroshi Suzuki creates silver vessels using only a hammer and his significant muscles. Sheets of silver are given waves, creases, rivulets, ripples and curves to create a “fluent expression of nature”. As if formed out of air, an effortless, almost organic impression is given. No mean feat – given the nature of the material.   

The 80 pieces in the show at Goldsmiths Hall are created with a sensitive spontaneity as Suzuki believes planning to be utterly restrictive. Indeed, the world of silversmiths has never seen anything like the skill and enormity of these remarkable vessels made by hand.  Born in Japan, Suzuki studied silver-smithing at Tokyo University, before moving to London to complete an MA at the Royal College of Art in 1999. His student days indicated a taste of things to come. Pieces with the occasional ripple and wave that have now become to define his latter day work. Whilst appearing remarkably fluid in design, his work invokes a sense of timelessness and beauty.

It is clear that the elements play on Suzuki’s sub-conscious: pieces with names such as “Aqua-Poesy VII”, and “Ayawind II”, (both featuring in the Goldsmiths’ Company’s collection), as well as “M-Fire IV” and “Earth II” divulge his inspiration. 

Suzuki’s work befits a collectors dream. Such is his prominence that he has works in 27 major public collections across the world – including the V&A in London and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.  Rosemary Ransome Wallis, Curator Collections at Goldsmiths’ Hall, confirms his reputation: “I was immediately struck by the dynamic presence of his work.   His subsequent success and considerable contribution to contemporary silver is that ultimately it is Hiroshi’s poetry which defines his work. Working within the Japanese tradition of the spirituality of natural elements such as wind, fire and water, Hiroshi makes these abstractions accessible to Western eyes through his sculptural approach to his vessels.”

The exhibition, which is open to the public free of charge, runs from Monday February 8 to Saturday March 6, 2010 at the Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2V 6BN.