Broken Repair Exhibition

Venue: The
Glass Tank, Oxford Brookes University, Abercrombie Building

Date(s): Monday 26 January 2026 to Friday 6 February 2026

Timing: 9am – 5pm

Reception:
30 January 5pm-7pm

Inspired by the sublime beauty of techniques of visual repair across cultures, these
works invite reflection on brokenness and why it matters

In recent years, the traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery
using lacquer, often embellished with gold or other precious metals, known as
'kintsugi' has fascinated and inspired not only contemporary artists, but also
psychologists, philosophers, scientists and archaeologists. But the idea of
caring for something that is broken and finding beauty in its imperfection
resonates much more widely.

Through sculpture, sound, images, and pottery, this exhibition creates a space of
dialogue between Japanese aesthetics of brokenness and repair and those of
other cultures. Each piece invites visitors to reflect on the complex,
sometimes challenging beauty of brokenness, and the care and attention involved
in repair.

The exhibition includes original works from Rob Simpkins, Katie Taylor, Joanna
Tulloch, Dan O'Brien, Natasha Durie, Juliet Eccles, and Rachel Barbaresi, as
well as kintsugi pieces by Iku Nishikawa (Oxford Kintsugi).

All are invited to meet the artists and organisers over wine and
refreshments on 30 January in the gallery 5pm-7pm. Tickets and more information available here