Mudai

MUDAI

MUDAI, a ceramic artist, BLENDS NATURE AND TRADITION, CRAFTING porcelain installations. WITH A PASSION FOR sustainability AND traditional techniques, MUDAI'S WORK INVITES VIEWERS TO PONDER THE BALANCE BETWEEN fragility and resilience IN ART AND NATURE.

ARTIST STATEMENT

She imbues each artwork with her interdisciplinary study experience, firmly believing that natural materials can convey the emotions of artists. Mudai creates ceramic pieces and traditional rock paintings, pursuing a simple and pure style rooted in her unwavering love for nature. Sourcing materials directly from nature, she incorporates homemade glazes and rock pigment powders into her work. Utilising entirely manual techniques, Mudai crafts ceramics and repurposed recycled ceramics, dedicated to producing sustainable artistic creations.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

This series of installations, crafted from porcelain, seeks to evoke a sense of delicacy and fragility inherent in the material while exploring the diverse possibilities of hard substances. Building upon the previous concept of ‘Repairing Fruits,’ these installations, depicting still lifes, incorporate patterns sourced from antique lace dating back to the European Victorian era and Japanese Showa era. Silk and cotton threads, known for their fragility and perishable nature, are delicately woven into the compositions. The aim of this work is to preserve the exquisite patterns from centuries past in a tangible, non-digital manner, akin to precious exhibits within a museum. Furthermore, this series intertwines porcelain with antique furniture, showcasing the material’s surprising resemblance to fabric in its breathability and the allure imbued by the passage of time.

As a ceramic artist, your work often explores the connection between natural materials and artistic expression. How does your interdisciplinary background in visual communication and architecture influence your creative process?

While, the experience in architecture study influenced me to care about the space and materials. For instance, the tutors always talk about “less is more” in the contemporary architecture design process. We focus on the “trip”, the “space” and the “light”, these are the alphabet for Architectural languages. Which shares the similar sequence with the “storytelling” process in visual communication, we use colours, shapes to show our emotions. The only part which is different, is that, now I changed from digital designing into handcraft. Also, it cannot be denied that “sustainable” is the most popular keyword in this era. My architectural background has deepened my emphasis on the effective application of materials. Regarding to visual communication, the most important part is how to explain the concept using artistic language and make the audience understand. Ceramic clay and rock painting pigments are both sourced from the elements of nature. These elements are the fundamental things for us and for all the creatures in this world. I also engage in the hands-on creation of rock pigments. Despite the time-consuming process, it allows me to capture the colours sourced directly from the earth.

Your exhibitions have featured ceramics and rock pigment artworks, highlighting a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary sensibilities. Could you elaborate on how you incorporate homemade glazes and rock pigment powders into your creations, and what significance these materials hold for you?

In traditional Chinese ceramic and rock painting classes, crafting glaze and rock pigment powders is crucial. During my studies with ceramic craftsmen, they allowed me to intimately engage with rocks, understanding how soil transforms into porcelain. Field trips were common, gathering plants and burning wood ash. Each material, whether plant or rock, yields unique colors and textures in the glaze. These processes embody nature's essence, and the emotional involvement in making and mixing reflects in the artworks. Thus, every aspect of my creations carries my personal touch and sentiment.

The series "Textile and Fabric" showcases installations crafted from porcelain, incorporating patterns sourced from antique lace and delicate silk and cotton threads. What inspired this exploration of porcelain's resemblance to fabric, and what message or emotion do you hope viewers take away from experiencing these installations?

Tactile and visual sensations of ceramic normally are warm and thick. Pottery as daily tablewares will comfort users, however, porcelains in museums will only be admired because of their delicate but not touchable. In this series, I would like to show the various possibilities of porcelain, not by the appreciated temperament of being put on the shelf. In my hometown, the porcelain from China Dehua could be made as thin as paper only by handcraft. The rhythm of the porcelain can even show the rhythm of fluttering gauze clothing. That is what I hope the viewers will feel, the breath of the porcelain, and the warmth and softness of daily life.

Your dedication to sustainable artistic creations, including repurposing recycled ceramics, is commendable. How does your commitment to sustainability influence your choice of materials and the overall direction of your artistic practice?

Before diving into my artwork, I always ponder how I can repurpose materials. Take, for instance, the edges of every ceramic piece instead of tossing them aside, I gather them up and blend them with water. This concoction becomes the foundation for creating a variety of captivating patterns and textures in my work. Also, sometimes I add rock pigments into my glaze. I believe that the random change of recycling will enrich my practice and knowledge of ceramic. Recycling creates special memories and stories for me.

In your artist statement, you mention a pursuit of a simple and pure style rooted in your love for nature. How does this love for nature manifest in your ceramic pieces and traditional rock paintings, and what do you hope viewers glean from engaging with your artworks?

My lifestyle and artistic style embody simplicity and purity. I opt for humble materials, employing delicate craftsmanship to delve into the realm of ceramic and rock painting. While my 'Textile and Fabric' series diverges from the direct connection to nature found in my previous 'Repairing Fruits' collection, the process remains akin to a gentle, meditative journey. I like to think that viewers can unwind when encountering these pieces, akin to strolling through a vintage bedroom, embracing the warmth of sunlight and the subtle embrace of dust in this nostalgic sanctuary.

As an artist who has exhibited at prestigious events such as the London Design Festival and the "Regenerate" exhibition at the gallery@oxo, what insights have you gained from these experiences, and how do they inform your approach to future artistic endeavours?

"Regenerate" is my first exhibition, that is also the start of my artistic language. During both exhibitions and my training process, I've come to realise that it's not just about artistic vision but also technical proficiency. The value of the exhibits themselves, coupled with the stories they tell and the ambiance of the exhibition space, form a cohesive whole. Through interactions with fellow artists and viewers, I've discovered that my artistic language is better suited to exploring emotional themes before delving into broader social issues, allowing me to connect more deeply with audiences. It's through these softer, more emotive elements that effective visual communication is achieved. As an emerging artist, I understand that I have a long journey ahead, and I'm committed to continuous learning to deliver higherquality work to my audience.

What themes or concepts do you aspire to explore in your future artistic projects, and are there any new mediums or techniques you're eager to incorporate into your practice?

After the two exhibitions which exhibited still lifes, I hope my next step could make the viewers explore more emotional themes from my artworks. I am thinking of using glass to simulate water flow and explain about the time passing or tears falling. During this time, I also re-learned traditional enamel techniques with my elders in the family. I am not sure whether the process of combining them with ceramics will go smoothly, but I am willing to make new attempts.

Finally, how do you envision the role of ceramic art in the contemporary art landscape, and what do you hope your contributions will add to the ongoing dialogue within the art world?

The current situation is that the ceramic production process is gradually becoming transparent. The increase in ceramic studios also means that ceramic art has become closer to life. As artists, this phenomenon also means an increase in competition. All we can do is to continue to innovate. techniques and constantly experimenting with new products. But at the same time, I hope that classic techniques can be passed down from generation to generation, instead of being occupied by impetuousness and temporary prosperity. Rather than being a hit artist, I look forward to becoming a craftsman. I hope that I can bring exquisite and inspired protection and sustainable material production methods to contemporary ceramic art. I hope that my works can convey the experience of time and temperature.

ARTIST BIO

MUDAI, A ceramic artist FROM mainland China, HOLDS A MASTER'S DEGREE IN visual communication FROM Kingston University School of Art. SHE ALSO GRADUATED IN architecture FROM THE University of Liverpool IN 2021. MUDAI HAS EXHIBITED HER WORK AT THE 2023 London Design Festival AND THE "Regenerate" EXHIBITION AT THE Oxo Tower Gallery IN 2023. HER EXHIBITIONS PRIMARILY FEATURE ceramics AND rock pigment ARTWORKS.

REVIEW

Mudai, brings a fresh perspective to the world of ceramics, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Her journey from architecture to ceramic art is evident in her meticulously crafted porcelain installations. Mudai holds a Master's degree in Visual Communication from Kingston University School of Art and graduated in Architecture from the University of Liverpool in 2021. Her work has been exhibited at prestigious events such as the London Design Festival and the "Regenerate" exhibition at the gallery@oxo in 2023.

At the heart of Mudai's work lies a dedication to sustainability and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. She imbues each artwork with her interdisciplinary study experience, firmly believing that natural materials can convey the emotions of artists. Mudai creates ceramic pieces and traditional rock paintings, pursuing a simple and pure style rooted in her unwavering love for nature. Sourcing materials directly from nature, she incorporates homemade glazes and rock pigment powders into her work. Utilising entirely manual techniques, Mudai crafts ceramics and repurposed recycled ceramics, dedicated to producing sustainable artistic creations.

Mudai's installations, such as the "Textile and Fabric" series, demonstrate a delicate balance between fragility and resilience. This series of installations, crafted from porcelain, seeks to evoke a sense of delicacy and fragility inherent in the material while exploring the diverse possibilities of hard substances. Building upon the previous concept of ‘Repairing Fruits,’ these installations, depicting still lifes, incorporate patterns sourced from antique lace dating back to the European Victorian era and Japanese Show a era. Silk and cotton threads, known for their fragility and perishable nature, are delicately woven into the compositions. The aim of this work is to preserve the exquisite patterns from centuries past in a tangible, non-digital manner, akin to precious exhibits within a museum. Furthermore, this series intertwines porcelain with antique furniture, showcasing the material’s surprising resemblance to fabric in its breathability and the allure imbued by the passage of time.

Mudai reflects on her interdisciplinary background and how it influences her creative process. Her commitment to sustainability is commendable, as she repurposes recycled ceramics, adding depth and uniqueness to her creations. Mudai's artistic language explores emotional themes, allowing her to connect more deeply with her audience. She envisions incorporating glass and traditional enamel techniques into her future projects, aiming to convey the passing of time and tears falling.

Mudai's contributions to the ceramic art world are poised to be significant, as she strives to bring exquisite and sustainable production methods to contemporary ceramic art. She aspires not to be just a hit artist, but a craftsman, passing down classic techniques from generation to generation. Through her work, Mudai invites viewers on a journey of introspection and reflection, bridging the gap between past and present.