Derek Au is a young American artist currently exhibiting inForm & Function. He is based in Jingdezhen and works as the Studio Manager at the Pottery Workshop. His newest series received much interest and glowing praise at our opening reception last Saturday.
This series of "planeware" takes inspiration from the Hutian kiln, located close to Derek's studio. During the Song dynasty, the Hutian kiln produced Qingbai porcelain wares that were partly influenced by Tang and Song dynasty silver wares. Derek's works embody the same delicate beauty, but he employs a porcelain slab technique that he developed, emulating metalsmithing techniques. The result is skillful precision and gentle lines.
Six young ceramic artists explore the intersection of aesthetics and utility in their collection of functional ceramic ware in “Form & Function”, an upcoming exhibition at twocities gallery. Cups, plates and bowls are intertwined in our daily lives but the significance they hold extends beyond containers for food and water; these vessels define our way of life and appreciation of beauty.
Li Suyi, Han Yunfei, Kang Yang, Li Qiang, Wang Hao and Derek Au are all based in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. Jingdezhen is inarguably the porcelain capital of China if not the world, known for its rich heritage of providing porcelain wares to the imperial families for several dynasties. During the Jingde Period of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhenzong decreed that Changnanzhen (as the city was known then) would provide the official porcelain wares for the imperial court. Each piece was inscribed with “Made in the reign of Jingde” on the bottom, which led to the town’s association with high-quality porcelain and its current name. Ceramic artists continue to work out of Jingdezhen, building on the 1,800-plus year history and maintaining the city’s reputation as a national center for porcelain production. The exhibiting five Chinese artists and one American artist represent the growing contemporary handcrafted arts movement in China, a movement that draws on tradition as much as it expands the vision of modern design and fine art.
Opening reception for the exhibit at twocities gallery will be held on Saturday, May 16, from 4 to 6 pm. This exhibit runs until June 30.
Within every city, two cities simultaneously emerge. The first represents all that is good and right and desirable; the second city everything that we long to see changed.
The twocities art gallery seeks to help build the first city, through art and events that champion beauty, commitment, thoughtfulness and community. By providing space in the cultural world for Chinese artists and promoting academic development, we aim to help young artists find their voice in the world of art.
