Miya Ando
Miya Ando is an American visual artist primarily known for her ethereal sculptures and paintings created with translucent industrial materials such as anodized aluminum, Japanese paper, and resin. Ando's work often explores themes of impermanence, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of nature and technology.
Her artistic process frequently involves manipulating the surfaces of metals with heat, chemicals, and abrasives to create subtle variations in color and texture. She draws inspiration from her bicultural background, having spent her childhood both in California and at a Zen Buddhist temple in Japan. This upbringing informs her exploration of light, shadow, and reflection as metaphors for the ephemeral nature of existence.
Ando's work has been exhibited in museums and galleries internationally, and she has received numerous awards and fellowships for her contributions to contemporary art. Her pieces often invite contemplation and a sense of quietude, reflecting her deep interest in Zen philosophy and the beauty found in simplicity. She often creates large-scale installations and commissions, adapting her techniques to suit the specific architectural environment.
Key aspects of Ando's artistic practice include:
- Anodized Aluminum: Her innovative use of anodized aluminum as a canvas, chemically altering its surface to create a range of colors and textures.
- Translucent Materials: Her employment of materials that allow light to pass through, creating ethereal and contemplative effects.
- Zen Buddhist Influence: The incorporation of Zen principles of simplicity, impermanence, and mindfulness in her art.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Her blending of traditional techniques with modern industrial materials and processes.