Form & Function: Ceramic language

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.