Kjell Hahn currently lives in the small Japanese town of Onishi, two hours north of Tokyo. There he often works with a local painter, Chiaki Horikoshi on collaborations ranging from Flamenco Theater sets, to anagama kiln firing to films.

Kjell Hahn earned a BFA in painting from Truman State University. He then worked for the Japanese government as an English instructor through the JET Program. During this time he studied ceramics with a neighborhood potter. Returning to the US he moved to New York and worked with art galleries and artists making custom metal installations and sculptures.

In the summer of 2006 he moved back to Japan to continue his ceramic training. While working as an apprentice with artist John Dix he has also spent an extensive time traveling thousands of kilometers by bicycle, visiting ancient kiln sites and artists around the country. His daily 50km commute through the mountains serves as training for his longer trips.

EDUCATION

• BFA Painting, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO. 2001


ART-RELATED EXPERIENCE

• Director, founder of Oni Ten Gallery. Onishi, Japan. 2009

• Co-director Raku Workshop. Collaboration with potter Akira Yonebayashi. Onishi, Japan 2009

• Flamenco set design assistant with painter, Chiaki Horikoshi (堀越千秋). Onishi, Japan. 2008-2010

• Collaboration with Texas folk painter, George -chicken- Zupp. Nagoya, Japan. 2008

• Ceramics production with Artist Taihei Sugiyama. Sasayama, Japan. 2008

• Collaboration with clothing designer Naohisa Hatase. Osaka, Japan. 2008

• Worked with Koie Ryoji on his "Shiro Hata" (white flag) exhibition. Gifu, Japan. 2007

• Ceramics apprenticeship and collaboration with Artist John Dix. Sasayama, Japan. 2007-2010

• Precision metal work, welding. Custom metal work for New York galleries, artists. SK Studios: Brooklyn, NY. 2005-2006

• Traditional Javanese mask carving. Mangun Dharma Art Center. Malang, Indonesia. 2004

• Director, animator. "The Wizard of Oz" Himeji Higashi Koukou, ESS Club. Himeji, Japan. 2004

• Co-Director, founder of Tom Thumb Gallery (now in its 10th year). Kirksville, MO. 1998-2001

EXHIBITIONS

• Group Exhibition. Oni Ten Gallery, Onishi, Japan. 2009

• Solo Exhibition. Contrasto Galleria, Tokyo, Japan. 2009

• Solo Exhibition. Cavane, Osaka, Japan. 2008

• Installation (restaurant). M-flo, Himeji, Japan. 2008

• Installation (restaurant). Bombay. Kobe, Japan.2007

• CIS Charity Auction. Columbia, MO 2006-2010

• Installation. Doing + Nothing Gallery. Osaka, Japan. 2005

• Group Exhibition. Igure Building. Himeji, Japan.2005

• Installation (restaurant). Bombay. Akashi, Japan.2004

• Installation. Himeji Higashi Koukou. "Uraoka Memorial." Himeji, Japan.2004

• Group Exhibition. Doing + Nothing Gallery. Osaka, Japan.2003