Ceramics for Living, Art and Exchanges
By Seo Dong-shin
Staff Reporter
KYONGGI PROVINCE _ The fourth World Ceramic Biennale kicked off its one-month run Friday across three venues in the southern Kyonggi Province _ Ichon, Yoju and Kwangju. The biennale, run by the World Ceramic Exposition Foundation, showcases the cutting-edge development in ceramics from around the world, based on the long-standing tradition of Korean ceramic making in Kyonggi Province.
Each venue holds distinctive exhibitions in three categories.
At ``Ceramic House III'' exhibition held at Yoju World Ceramic Livingware Gallery, for example, visitors will have a glimpse into how ceramic products are incorporated into chic, modern living styles, in the form of kitchenware and living accessories, with the works submitted to the ``Ceramics for Use'' category of the international competition organized by the biennale.
Set in rooms that resemble the commercial spaces of hotels, restaurants or galleries, stylish tea sets and tables, borne out of artists' efforts to mingle design with function, are on display. Adjoining ``Vessels for Meditation'' exhibition, meanwhile, brings together ceramic works that carry religious themes from Buddhism and Catholicism. Sponsored by Haengnam, a leading Korean china maker, some are on sale in limited editions.
The exhibitions at Ichon World Ceramic Center display the prizewinners and submissions to the ``Ceramics as Expression'' category of the biennale's international competition, and will likely please art lovers. The atmosphere resembles that of any contemporary biennale, as experimental ceramic works, some on the wall, some on the floor and some hanging in the air, defy the stereotyped image of traditional ceramics, The diversity, creativity and accomplishment of the artists is something to marvel at.
``Evaluating the ceramic works used to involve looking at the traditional methods of how pieces were made _ like at what temperatures they were fired,'' Kang Jae-yeon, a curator at the center, said. ``But now, there are experimental works that didn't even require firing. Now each work is like a poem on its own. It's really art.''
At Kwangju Choson Royal Kiln Museum, meanwhile, a special exhibition shedding light on the cultural exchanges between the East and West through ceramics is underway. More than 170 pieces from the Ottoman Empire are on display, showing how the Turks developed their own style, mixed it with Chinese style, and then empowered their own style again. Near the museum is a building where small private ceramic-making studios nearby sell ceramic plates, cups, and accessories.
Admissions to the biennale exhibitions cost 1,000 won to 2,000 won. Taking part in ceramic making workshops in Yoju costs 5,000 won to 20,000 won.
There is a free shuttle service linking the three venues. But it is a good idea to take your own car if you wish to cover them all. If the weather is nice, the trip will be a soothing spring excursion, as the exhibition venues are located near pleasant settings such as lakes and lawns. Many restaurants alongside the roads bordering Ichon and Kwangju offer buffets with Korean dishes, as Ichon is traditionally also famous for its quality rice. If you're taking your children, check out the Web site for clay-making contests or other events and performances. For more information, visit www.wocef.com.