Ryota Aoki’s various works embrace sharp and sophisticated forms, richly glittering iridescent gloss, and blackness resembling lava. Standing firmly on the ground of ceramic tradition, he has produced a variety of works including tea ceremony objects, wine glasses, sculptures, and objects for interior display, all with a contemporary sensitivity. By exploring the original technique of blending glaze with porcelain, and continuing to research glaze and the use of gold, silver and platinum, as well as by repeating over ten thousand test pieces, Aoki presents new styles like a fashion designer who creates a new line every season. This exhibition will mainly feature new works made with a wood-fired kiln, a process which Aoki started exploring this year.

“Clay” guides the form, and “glaze” widens the expressions. In this new challenge Aoki makes dialogues with “fire” by using a wood-fired kiln for which controlling the fire is difficult.I entrust myself to the power of fire.Something begins working beyond my imagination.“Clay”, “glaze” and “fire”;All are powers of nature.I borrow this power to create works.I am a mere triggerTo create a dialogue with nature.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　- Ryota Aoki

The process of firing and replenishing the firewood for many days demands the artist to face the act of creation in a more simple and honest manner. The exhibition will reveal the fruits of this challenge.

Ryota Aoki was born in Toyama in 1978. He was invited to École des Arts Décoratifs de Genève as a research student in 2004. He currently lives and works in Toki, Gifu. He has received many prizes including the Sidney Myer International Fund Ceramics Award, Silver Award (2004), the International Triennial of Silicate Arts, Silver Award (2005, Hungary), the Tableware Festival, Grand Prix (2006, Japan), the 4th World Ceramic Biennale 2007 Korea, Silver Award (2007), the Taiwan International Ceramic Biennale, Special Prize (2008), and has presented work in many exhibitions both in Japan and abroad. He has also been active as a leader of ”IKEYAN★”, the organization started by ceramic artists to promote the ceramic world, and started a social networking site for ceramic artists, “potter” (potter.cm). He is currently working on a new project of a ceramic game, “I’m a potter” (imapotter.com). Collaborating with other areas such as fashion and design, Aoki is dedicated to the promotion of ceramic art.