Aoki Kunimasa was born in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture in 1963 and currently resides in the same city. He graduated from Musashino Art University, Department of Sculpture, and completed graduate studies at the same university. Aoki’s work is characterized by organic, life-filled forms created in terracotta, built up layer by layer using the “coil building” technique found in Japanese Jomon pottery.
By crushing and distorting forms occasionally, he creates phenomena that exceed even the artist’s own intentions, drawing out moments when the work achieves autonomy. His inspiration comes from phenomena in the natural world where small forces create forms over long periods of time. Aoki’s awards include the Kobe Biennale Contemporary Ceramics Grand Prize (2011), the 9th Japan Sculpture Competition Gold Prize (2023), and the LOEWE FOUNDATION CRAFT PRIZE 2025 Grand Prize. His works are held in collections including the Museum of Ceramic Art Hyogo, Japan Art Center, Kawaguchi Art Museum, the Loewe Foundation (Spain), and other locations within Japan and internationally.