((new)): Chitose Hara

Hara’s works are frequently described as appearing "archaeological." They possess a surface quality that mimics the erosion of centuries, achieved through her distinct glazing and firing techniques. However, this artificial aging serves a narrative purpose. It functions as a form of "ruin value"—the idea that a structure should be designed to leave aesthetically pleasing ruins.

This archaeological framing also comments on the artist’s role as an excavator of the subconscious. The shards represent fragmented memories or suppressed traumas that the artist retrieves and recontextualizes. The "Golden Joinery" acts as the conscious mind’s attempt to integrate these fragmented shards into a cohesive, albeit scarred, identity. chitose hara

This transparency fragility challenges the archetype of ceramics as objects of permanence and durability. By making the clay appear as fragile as paper or dried leaves, Hara strips the material of its inherent strength, forcing the viewer to confront their own anxiety regarding the precariousness of existence. The work suggests that integrity is not defined by solidity, but by the tenuous connections that hold disparate parts together. This archaeological framing also comments on the artist’s