Beyond G(l)aze
Sino-Norwegian exhibiton of contemporary ceramics
Artists:
Ingrid Askeland ∣ Lu Bin ∣ Liu Danhua ∣ Feng Feng ∣ Huang Huanyi ∣ Liu Jianhua ∣ Steinar Haga Kristensen ∣ Torbjørn Kvasbø ∣ Nils Martin ∣ Anne Helen Mydland ∣ Irene Nordli ∣ Linn Pedersen ∣ Lu Pinchang ∣ Corrina Thornton ∣ Ai Weiwei ∣ Chen Xiaodan
Curators:
Heidi Bjørgan (NO) ∣ Feng Boyi (CN) ∣ Bjørn Inge Follevaag (NO) ∣ Wang Dong (CN)
"This exhibition includes 16 artists that have all engaged in different artistic experiments and expressions regarding the medium itself and its cultural legacy. Their works offer a direct reference to this body of ceramic culture, and challenge the perception of ceramic culture as a historical relic through visual symbolism solidly grounded in contemporary art."
- Wang Dong, curator
Beyond G(l)aze was an ambitious Sino-Norwegian ceramics exhibition of international scope, produced by Norwegian Crafts. The exhibition was shown in both China and Norway, in 2014 and 2015.
In 2014, Beyond G(l)aze was seen by 40 000 visitors at Suzhou Jinji Lake Art Museum. At that time it was the first bilateral ceramics exhibition of that size ever to have been presented in China. In 2015 the exhibition travelled to Bergen, where it was seen by 6000 visitors.
Above all, Beyond G(l)aze presented powerful works made by an exciting selection of artists from both countries. The exhibition reflected the strong position that clay and ceramics have achieved in international contemporary art. As a collaborative project, the exhibition was the result of extensive and dynamic cooperation between the curators, the two museums and Norwegian Crafts.
«Beyond G(l)aze shows cultural interaction at its best»
"Chinese art and ceramics are central areas in our collection, and this exhibition enlightens us about what is going on within the Chinese field of contemporary ceramics – also how it can enter into dialogue with the Norwegian field. Beyond G(l)aze shows cultural interaction at its best, and we are very happy to provide our audience with the opportunity to experience that interaction."
- Karin Hindsbo - Director KODE Art Museum
About the curators:
Heidi Bjørgan is a renowned ceramic artist and curator of contemporary crafts in Norway.
Feng Boyi is one of China’s most significant curators and art critics. Since the late 1980s, he has been involved with Chinese contemporary art, also as an editor, and has collaborated with Ai Weiwei on several occasions.
Bjørn Inge Follevaag is a freelance curator and art producer. He has worked with Chinese artists since 1988, and is one of Norway’s experts on Chinese contemporary art.
Wang Dong is a curator at He Xiangjing Art Museum in Shenzhen. He is dedicated to curating, critiquing and researching Chinese contemporary art.
