Rando Aso - The Unseen

Japanese ceramic artist Rando Aso (b.1983, Nara) has lived and studied in major ceramic-producing regions of Japan, and now resides in Sotoyama area in Minokamo, Japan. Aso creates ceramic objects and sculptures, often exploring age-old firing techniques to realise the mineral qualities of his earthenware.

In this exhibition, we see Aso’s interest in the relationship between physical space and the intangible sensations it evokes. He achieves this by crafting hollow three-dimensional objects from clay, wherein the shapes he creates engage with the invisible void within them. Aso's pieces possess an inherent unevenness that reflects his conceptualisation of vessels, each containing compressed space within its unique form.

Differing firing techniques, and its effects on clay drives Aso’s practice. In “Noyaki,” which implies pit-fired in Japanese, he fires clay in burning grass, branches and wood in an open field. He also creates “Kokutou” work where he first fires it in a hot kiln and then places it in rice husks that burn and smoke the piece creating a blackened surface.  The potency and sophistication of Aso’s work is captured in this collection, the clay sculptures contain the power of imagination and curiosity through a profound understanding of ceramic artistry.

Aso splits firewood himself to fire earthenware using the primitive method of firing on the ground uncovered. The pieces affected by the flames boast a rustic beauty peculiar to earthenware. The lumps of clay smoked by the carbonization firing give the space a solid texture like metal. 

Rando Aso

Aso completed a Master's degree at Kanazawa College of Art in 2009. Following this, he further honed his craft by completing training at the Tokoname Tounomori Institute in 2010. 

His work has been exhibited throughout Japan and internationally at galleries such as Gallery Crossing, Barbati Gallery and art fairs including Frieze Los Angeles.