Lutetia ART-at-TAC Ceramics

In September 2023, ART-at-TAC is excited to present a group exhibition of ceramic paintings by artists from the Jialu Ceramics Cultural and Educational Foundation (嘉祿陶藝文教基金會). Curated by one of the exhibiting artists Elaine Wu (Liang Ying Wu 吳亮瑩), this exhibition includes ceramic paintings by six other artists: Shu Ying Fu (傅淑英), Xiao Ling Qiu (邱小玲) , Judy Wu (吳采瑩), Emily Tsao, Limei Mei Chen (陳麗美); and Yu Zhen Yang (楊玉貞). These artists have been learning and working together at the Foundation’s studio, bonding over the unpredictability and frustrations that are an inevitable part of working with pottery. They celebrate one another’s successes; and commiserate at every breakage and failed colour after firing.

Text: Jessica Wang Simula IMAGES: JIALU CERAMICS CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Jialu Ceramics Cultural and Educational Foundation was established in 1990 by the staff of Tatung Chinaware, to commemorate the company’s founder Mr Liao Changgeng. Mr Liao and his team successfully made Taiwan’s first mass-produced porcelain ware in 1963 as ceramics in Taiwan had been either foreign imports or locally produced earthenware.

Today, the foundation operates a studio for artists to continue exploring this medium. Essentially decorative, the works included in this exhibition represent a variety of painting traditions, from Western realism to oriental decorative painting. Often inspired by nature, the artists straddle the line between art and function as they elevate commonplace ceramic items with their creativity.

The ceramic painting process requires meticulous attention to detail and control - of brushstrokes, intensity of the ink, and negative space. Textures are created with dexterous brushstrokes and sgraffito (scratching away coloured surfaces to reveal the white material underneath). The irony is that despite all the control, there is never any certainty as to how the finished work will look after firing and glazing. The frisson between control and the lack of it seems to be embodied by the fragility of the medium itself. Hand painted ceramic plates remind us of the beauty of this forgotten craft in the age of mass production.

The exhibition opens on Friday, September 1 and will be on show throughout September at Lutetia Cafe TAC store (751 Wenlin Road, Shilin District). On September 1 there will be an opening event, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, when artists will be present to discuss their work. All are welcome.

ART-at-TAC continues the artistic season with monthly exhibitions for 2023. In September we present a group show of ceramic paintings by Taiwanese artists based in Taipei. Opening in October is the solo exhibition of joyful paintings by Qingqing Li, titled Dancing and Thinking with My Brush. All art sales at ARTat-TAC are commission-free. 10% of the proceeds of all art sales goes to charities of the artist’s choice. The opening events are a space for people to meet and enjoy art; everyone is welcome. Follow our Instagram https:// www.instagram.com/lutetiaartattac/ for the latest news and links to artists.

Jessica Wang Simula was born in Taiwan but has lived in six different countries since adolescence before relocating back to Taiwan with her family over three years ago. Having worked in the arts in Shanghai and London, she is interested in how the arts can start new conversations, build communities and connect people.