The 2018 Taiwan Ceramics Biennale





"Humanistic Return: The Spiritual Origin of Ceramic Art"


The organizers of the Taiwan Ceramics Biennale have focused their attention on Asia for 2018. We concentrate on the important backgrounds and historical influences of contemporary ceramics’ forms. When we investigate other areas in Asia, we see that, most were still making traditional ceramics during that crucial period, so it was difficult to extend our coverage of contemporary ceramics to those parts of Asia.

Therefore,the focus means its core extends from Japan (the pioneer of contemporary ceramic art in Asia) to the US (the pioneer in the West). We look back to the origins of contemporary ceramics after WWII and how Asia became a source of influences to some Western ceramic artists. We examine how some Asian artists find inspirations within their own cultures.

How ceramic artists find their creative inspirations.

When the first artists painted on the walls of caves and sculpted statuettes, it might have been to record, ritualize, explore their spirituality, or connect with the sacred.

21st-century humans seek out immediate gratification and live in materialistic cultures that demand fast mass production. Spirituality and the senses have become disconnected as technology overwhelms human nature. 

Artists still work with clay,a timeless material that has remained unchanged since early humans picked it up. What are the roles andgoals of artists today?

The evolution into Homo sapiens led to another level of awareness and empathy. Humanity has always had a shared experience. And artists make work not just to express their personal feelings, but they are interpreting what touches the spirit of the collective experience. They are also reaching into the depths of the human spirit and quickening the pulses of life. Their worksreflect themselves and society.

 

INFORMATION:

Venue: New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum 3F Gallery

Exhibition: Sept. 7, 2018 to March. 3, 2019

Address: No.200, Wenhua Rd., Yingge Dist., New Taipei City 239

Website: Link