Master Ceramist Yoko Ozawa’s ‘Awaken’ Exhibition at MARS Gallery Explores Seasonal Transitions.

Missing part #1 ( From 吹き溜まりー A Bank of Falling Leaves ), 2024
Stoneware, glaze, eucalyptus ash
H 50cm x W70 cm x D 50cm.
Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.

By the Window #1 (From the Wind series), 2024
Stoneware, glaze
H 45cm x 40W cm x D 8cm.
Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.

Yoko Ozawa, Budding (Dark) #6, 2024,
Stoneware, glaze, H 34cm x W 31cm x D 29cm.
Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.

Installation View of Yoko Ozawa’s ‘Awaken’ at MARS.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.

Installation View of Yoko Ozawa’s ‘Awaken’ at MARS. Image courtesy of MARS.

Angelo Ooi, Community, 2023, stoneware clay. Photo: Janelle Low, courtesy of MARS and the artist.

In a breathtaking solo exhibition at Melbourne’s MARS Gallery, Japanese-born ceramist Yoko Ozawa presents ‘Awaken’—a collection of intricate stoneware pieces that capture the delicate transition from winter to spring. Following her presentations at Melbourne Pavilion and NGV’s Melbourne Now, Ozawa continues to explore the fascinating Japanese concept of yohaku (blank space) through her masterful works.

The exhibition delves deep into the spaces between objects and their connections with natural elements, examining seasonal shifts and the gentle passage of time. Ozawa’s pieces create a mesmerizing dialogue between decay and renewal, drawing visitors into a contemplative exploration of our relationship with nature’s cycles.

Having exhibited extensively across Australia, Japan, and England—including shows at the National Gallery of Victoria, Somerset House London, and Mina Perhonen Kyoto—Ozawa brings her refined sensibility and technical mastery to this latest body of work. Each piece in ‘Awaken’ showcases her exceptional ability to translate subtle environmental observations into tangible ceramic forms.

MARS Gallery, housed in a purpose-built, environmentally conscious space designed by JAM Architects, provides the perfect setting for Ozawa’s work. The gallery features state-of-the-art exhibition spaces, including a rooftop sculpture area and a dedicated three-screen video space, creating an immersive environment for experiencing contemporary art.

“We’ve created more than just spaces,” reflects Gallery Director Andy Dinan, whose vision has shaped MARS since its founding in 2004. “Culture is the glue that sticks community together, and we want the public art offerings to engage and soothe visitors alike.”

Dinan’s influence extends beyond MARS’s walls through her cultural consultancy, ADA, established in 2010. Her expertise in integrating art into public and private spaces has shaped numerous major projects, including a seven-year collaboration with East Brunswick Village (EBV). This major development in Melbourne’s northside with notable environmental credentials now showcases an impressive collection of artworks by Abbey Rich, Joanne Mott, Saffron Newey, John Aslanidis, Penelope Davis, and Datsun Tran. The new EBV display suite includes ceramic pieces by Ozawa herself, alongside works by fellow ceramists Kohl Tyler, Honor Freeman, and Angelo Ooi.

“Over the past 20 years, I have dedicated my time and expertise to make sure art is integrated into the homes and lives of modern-day Australians,” reflects Dinan. “Culture is the glue that sticks community together, and we want the public art offerings to engage and soothe visitors alike.”

‘Awaken’ runs until Saturday, 30th November, at MARS Gallery, Windsor. For more information, head to marsgallery.com.au.

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Above: Andy Dinan installs Yoko Osawa’s new exhibition at MARS gallery.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.
Below: Yoko Ozawa, Budding #5 (with stand), 2024,
Stoneware, glaze, H 80cm x W 28cm x D 28cm.
Photo: Fiona Hamilton.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.

Still #1 (From the Wind series), 2024,
Stoneware, glaze, brass, stone, Approx H 32cm x W 40cm x D 40cm (3 piece set)
Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe.
Image courtesy of MARS and the artist.

[Images courtesy of MARS Gallery.]