Heritage preserved
of green tea, it’s with me wherever I go.” So, tradition followed him from Jing De Zhen, where he was a teacher, to the state of New York, where he received his master in ceramic from the Alfred University. For many younger artists, though, tradition seems to be something very far away, even if they are surrounded by it; and at the same time, the Western artistic concepts - taught in every art school - are far removed from Chinese culture. Though standing in a seemingly dichotomous situation, contemporary Chinese masters want to express their own thoughts with authenticity: a new process must thus be studied, at a crossroads of different inspirations. A process which needs meaningful exchanges: contemporary glass art, for instance, was brought to China by scholars who studied in the UK. Once back from the University of Wolverhampton, Zhuang Xiao Wei, Guan Dong Hai, Xue Lv and others built glass studios in China and began a production of artworks, creating a real movement. They later influenced younger artists like Wang Qin and Han Xi, who found their expressive way in materials such as glass and ceramics.
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There has also been amazing growth in the field of jewellery and artistic metal working. In 2003, there were only 5 art schools with jewellery and metals studios; today, more than 50 institutes offer specific programmes in these fields, with related degrees and diplomas. Many universities have built their own ateliers, and more and more students, after graduating, start their careers by setting up their own studios and small companies. Where do we stand, now? As an artist, educator, founder of a gallery specialised in applied arts, and curator, I have been an eyewitness and protagonist of the profound changes which are happening in the world of artistic crafts in China, and I have observed how rapidly this field has developed in the last 15 years. After analysing and participating in what has been happening, I can surely affirm that we are assisting to an authentic revival of the contemporary craft movement. The Chinese government has also recognised the need to promote and encourage it. I feel fortunate to be a part of it, and I expect to see even greater results in the near future. We still have a long way to go, but hopes are high: so we run with joy.
ECHOES OF HISTORY Irony and tradition, contemporary artistic languages and archaic influences converge in “At ease” (2010), a porcelain work by Zhao Lantao. According to art expert and exhibition curator Shannon Guo, China is assisting to an authentic revival of the contemporary craft movement.
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