For the first time, an exhibition showing the variety of Taiwan's contemporary ceramics was held in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area from July 18 to Aug. 29, 2020.
Named "The Wind of Change: Contemporary Ceramics of Taiwan," the Baltimore-based display was jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States, Taiwan Academy, and, a non-profit ceramic art center aimed to develop, sustain, and promote an artist-centered community.
Curated by Professor Chang Ching-yuan (張清淵) of Tainan National University of the Arts (TNNUA), the exhibition highlighted creative pieces, wall installations, abstract sculptures, and functional and figurative works that combine esthetics and practical usability by 20 Taiwanese ceramic artists, among whom are artists who have attended an TNNUA- Baltimore Clayworks artist-in-residency program. Baltimore Clayworks has an artist exchange program with the Tainan-based university.
"The Wind of Change" examines the development of Taiwan's ceramic art in the past 40 years. It also explores how the new generation of artisans manages to strike an artistic balance between preserving heritage and embracing innovation, according to Professor Chang.
Through ceramic creations, some artists wish to convey personal messages or concepts, while some seek to trigger discussions on social issues, making the centuries-old craftsmanship an asset or a cornerstone for Taiwan's art of sculpture to flourish.
"It is significant that one can stand firm on his or her cultural foundation and evolve globally. These artists' persistence along with their freedom of expression, pushes the boundaries of art to the maximum," Chang said in curator's statement.
The exhibition will be on tour in the following months to West Chester University in Pennsylvania and Harford Community College in Maryland.