Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

A series of ten ceramic sculptures, arranged in two groups of five. These non-representational, patterned forms are termed "Dangos" by the artist, a Japanese word meaning “dumpling”.



Intended to create a sense of balance between the site and the people moving through the airport, the simplicity of the forms brings a silent element to a hectic space.

The pieces are all the same height, but have been glazed in different patterns, giving a sense of individuality to each of the five pieces. Artist Jun Kaneko explained, “My hope is to repeat the number of similar shapes but give them a different identity by painting the surface. This is somehow a very similar feeling that I have when I see a group of people. The human body has basic similarity as a shape but the clothing becomes a statement of the individual”. With this is mind, the artwork carries a feeling of ease as one stands in a crowd, preparing to travel.

About the Artist
Jun Kaneko was born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1942, during World War II. After studying painting in Japan from 1961-1963, he moved to Los Angeles. Kaneko resides in Omaha, Nebraska and has received international recognition for his artworks.