Transition - A Captured Moment

A magma flow, a capillary, a curling wave. Just three of the descriptors of Masahiro Asaka's work Transition. Asaka has stated that his original inspiration came from the snow-capped mountains of his native Japan. But his works have grown from this point to be a representation of convergent methods. Of methods used throughout nature. In the environment, biology and the interactions between them.

Masahiro Asaka's Methods

In each of these works Asaka gives general shape before allowing the glass to shape itself. It is these uncontrolled movements that add a primacy to Masahiro Asaka's work. A liquid beauty that combines the elements of nature and man. After the glass cools Asaka begins the process of cold working. It is here that he accentuates the natural malformations. The energy of the work builds as Masahiro Asaka works the crystalline formations. The complexity increases as Asaka moves from piece to piece folding the glass over itself. These twists give the appearance of fragility without betraying the glass' true attributes; strong, piercing.

Masahiro Asaka and Juxtaposition

Masahiro Asaka's work throughout echoes with juxtaposition. He toys with the relationship between nature and mankind through the combination of chance and skill. His philosophy towards these "imperfections" is one of acceptance, accentuation. Asaka highlights the nature of his material with his grinding and polishing. His glass takes on a glacial beauty combining the solid and liquid. Asaka reveals glass in its most elemental state to the viewer. He stresses its possibility of forms creating complex visual interiors to his work. The glass' opposition and competition with gravity as it bends onwards and inwards. This juxtaposition creates artworks unlike nothing else seen in glass-making. Unique in their aspect and breathtaking in their aspect. Masahiro Asaka has the fine touch and artistic palette to combine these delicate aspects in his work Transition.

Words | Rob Woodgate