2016 Autumn Conferment of Japanese Decorations
2016/11/11
On 3 November 2016, the Government of Japan announced the recipients of the 2016 Autumn Conferment of Japanese Decorations. Among the recipients is Ms Hiroe Swen, from our Embassy’s jurisdiction.
NAME: Hiroe Swen, ceramic artist
DECORATION: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
SERVICE: Contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia
[Summary of contributions]
1. Pioneering as a Japanese female ceramist
From 1957 Ms Swen studied under master ceramist, Heihachiro Hayashi (member of Kofu-kai) for six years. At the time the ceramist’s domain was dominated by male artists, but she persevered to be trained as a female ceramist and paved the way for aspiring female artists to follow suit.
2. As an artist beyond cultural boundaries
Since marrying graphic designer, Mr Cornel Swen, and moved to Australia in 1966, Ms Swen continued to work as a Japanese ceramic artist. Her works are in the collections of National Gallery of Australia (48 works as of 2015) and other major art galleries in Australia. They are also at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Federal Parliament House, High Court of Australia, Australian Embassies and High Commissions (Washington DC, Tokyo, New Delhi), Australian National University, and Oakland Museum.
3. As an educator
(1) From 1971 to 1973 Ms Swen worked as a part-time teacher of ceramics at the TAFE College. From 1980 until her retirement in 2005 she taught at the School of Art, Australian National University. Her dedication as the lecturer of ceramic for a total of more than 27 years has earned the ceramic department of School of Art, the reputation as one of the leading institutions in ceramics in Australia.
(2) Ms Swen set up the annual “Hiroe and Cornell Award” to give a scholarship to an aspiring and talented student, which provides a great encouragement to students studying ceramics.
NAME: Hiroe Swen, ceramic artist
DECORATION: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
SERVICE: Contribution to the promotion of Japanese culture and mutual understanding between Japan and Australia
[Summary of contributions]
1. Pioneering as a Japanese female ceramist
From 1957 Ms Swen studied under master ceramist, Heihachiro Hayashi (member of Kofu-kai) for six years. At the time the ceramist’s domain was dominated by male artists, but she persevered to be trained as a female ceramist and paved the way for aspiring female artists to follow suit.
2. As an artist beyond cultural boundaries
Since marrying graphic designer, Mr Cornel Swen, and moved to Australia in 1966, Ms Swen continued to work as a Japanese ceramic artist. Her works are in the collections of National Gallery of Australia (48 works as of 2015) and other major art galleries in Australia. They are also at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Federal Parliament House, High Court of Australia, Australian Embassies and High Commissions (Washington DC, Tokyo, New Delhi), Australian National University, and Oakland Museum.
3. As an educator
(1) From 1971 to 1973 Ms Swen worked as a part-time teacher of ceramics at the TAFE College. From 1980 until her retirement in 2005 she taught at the School of Art, Australian National University. Her dedication as the lecturer of ceramic for a total of more than 27 years has earned the ceramic department of School of Art, the reputation as one of the leading institutions in ceramics in Australia.
(2) Ms Swen set up the annual “Hiroe and Cornell Award” to give a scholarship to an aspiring and talented student, which provides a great encouragement to students studying ceramics.
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