Ceramic Art from the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute
In November of 2006 I had the pleasure to visit Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. Upon viewing a faculty exhibition installed in the school’s gallery I was immediately struck with how contemporary the work was. The artists at this famous institution have reinvented ceramic history by borrowing from its rich tradition and adding this century’s new use of materials to create innovative art forms.
This exhibition of fifty-nine works was selected from both young and mature faculty members at Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. The thirty-seven artists represent many visions and approaches to ceramic art. The curated exhibition, Ceramic Art from the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, celebrates the artistry, technique, and production Chinese ceramic artists have mastered for thousands of years. More importantly, the exhibition is a unique opportunity for American audiences to see contemporary ceramic art from China that gives insight into the evolution of this practice. These artists are expanding this tradition in surprising and inventive ways and creating some of contemporary ceramics most admired work.
The Mesaros Galleries at West Virginia University are thrilled to present this exceptional body of work. I would like to thank Li Chao for all his hard work in coordination of the selected work. The partnership between our two institutions is centered on such collaborative projects and educational exchanges. This catalog and traveling exhibition represent our shared commitment to a global dialogue on contemporary ceramic art.
Robert Bridges, Curator
January 2007
