Aaron Scythe (b.1971, Auckland, New Zealand; resides and works in New Zealand) is an internationally recognised ceramic artist whose work bridges the traditional and the contemporary, drawing on the rich tradition of Japanese ceramics and reinterpreting it through a unique and daring lens. Under the guidance of one of Japan's most celebrated ceramicists Ryoji Koie, Scythe's practice reflects his deep connection to the Japanese ceramic ethos, while also introducing a rebellious, contemporary sensibility.
Scythe's celebrated yobitisugi technique, a process of patching together mismatched porcelain and stoneware shards, creates a striking visual harmony of contrasting textures and forms. This method not only invokes the spirit of kintsugi-the Japanese art of repair-but also channels an exuberant celebration of materiality and the process of making. His vessels, often featuring delicate cobalt and enamel drawings of, present captivating narratives that blend figuration with abstraction, inviting the viewer into a world where clay transcends its utilitarian origins.
With his works exhibited extensively in Japan, New Zealand, and the UK, Scythe's ceramics, with their profound technical mastery and deeply personal narratives, stand at the intersection of cultural dialogue, craftsmanship, and art.
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