Rando Aso
Rando Aso (born 1983, Nara, Japan) is a contemporary ceramic artist whose practice bridges ancient Japanese firing techniques with modern aesthetic sensibilities. Based in Minokamo, Japan, Aso is celebrated for his innovative approach to ceramics, emphasizing the primal relationship between clay and fire. His work explores the unpredictability of natural processes, resulting in tactile, unglazed earthenware pieces that bear the marks of fire, smoke, and earth.
Aso studied ceramics at Kanazawa College of Art, where he honed his understanding of clay's expressive potential. After graduating, he settled in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture-one of Japan's oldest ceramic centers-before relocating to Minokamo. His technique draws inspiration from the Jomon period (2,500-1,500 BC), employing open-field firing methods such as "Noyaki," where clay is fired in burning grass, branches, and wood. This process, along with his "Kokutou" method-firing in a kiln followed by smoking in rice husks-produces distinctive color variations in yellow, red, black, and smoky hues. Aso's philosophy embraces the whimsical and uncontrollable nature of these techniques, selecting only the finest pieces from numerous firings.
Aso's work is deeply conceptual, focusing on the aesthetic over practicality. His signature sphere-shaped ceramics, often dented to release air and preserve form, reflect his interest in imprinting identity onto his creations, akin to an artist's stamp. His pieces, described as delicate yet robust, invite viewers to engage with their tactile surfaces and organic forms. Aso finds satisfaction in the versatility others discover in his work, despite its non-utilitarian focus.
Aso has exhibited widely, including at the prestigious Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial (2015), Nonaka-Hill Gallery in Los Angeles, and in collaboration with Barbati Gallery in Venice (2024). His ceramics are featured in collections and galleries worldwide, such as Roman and Williams Guild in New York and Marc Selwyn Fine Art in Los Angeles. Through his practice, Aso continues to explore the infinite possibilities of clay, fire, and the dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity.
