From Clay to Words: Ceramics as Media

Pearl Art Museum is delighted to present a group exhibition entitled “From Clay to Words: Ceramics as Media” from May 29 to August 22, 2021. The show begins simply with the material and attempts to explore the serene depths of artistic concepts and languages, showing visitors unique artistic creations made of ceramic that go well beyond typical displays of ancient ceramics and handicrafts. The exhibition will showcase fourteen dynamic artists from around the world (listed alphabetically by last name): Céleste Boursier-Mougenot (FR), Chen Xiaodan, Geng Xue, Liang Shaoji, Liang Wanying, Liu Danhua, Liu Jianhua, Liu Xi, Su Xianzhong, Sui Jianguo, Sun Yue, Xu Xinhua, XU ZHEN®, and Zhao Zhao. They have created more than thirty diverse pieces, either made of ceramic or related to ceramics, spanning sculpture, installation, video, and painting. The works have been divided into seven sections: “Born Out of Earth,” “Studying the Nature of Things,” “Nostalgia and Appropriation,” “Ordinary and Extraordinary,” “Body and Identity,” “Time,” and “Synesthesia and Nature.” The exhibition explores and presents new concepts, new expressions, and new languages in ceramic art, a medium with a long and storied history.

Nostalgia and appropriation are common working methods or themes in post-modern art. The XU ZHEN® contribution to this exhibition is MadeIn Curved Vase – Famille Rose Olive Vase with Bat and Peach Design, Yongzheng Period, Qing Dynasty. The original model for the piece was a legendary famille rose vase that was once used as a table lamp, then broke sales records for Qing dynasty porcelain vases, and entered a museum collection. Using the firing methods of ancient porcelains, XU ZHEN® bends the neck of a classic Chinese porcelain vase ninety degrees, creating a new shape.