2016

Established in 2004, the organization of “Taiwan Ceramics Biennale” has adopted an innovative and unparalleled model in 2008 – every 4 years a session with exhibition curating competition and artwork competition by turns – under the guidance of New Taipei City government as to explore different aspects and possibilities of ceramics. The artwork competition in particular, does not simply award the prizes but offer solo show and artist-in-residence program opportunities to the honored artists to share their spectacular skills and creativity with Taiwan whilst to obtain the endless energy of beauty from this Formosa.
The artwork competition has never tried to limit the possibilities of artworks or the great potentials of artists by themes. The theme for 2016 biennale “Concept” follows the macro-perspectives tradition as it was for 2008 “Boundless”, representing the infinite possibilities of arts, and for 2012 “Ceramic Visions”, standing for manifestation and observation of ceramic art. “Concept” is meant to lift the limitation on creation motif, embodying the diversified and multi-faceted feature of ceramic art.
The Biennale, as the bridge connecting Taiwan and the world, has three aims, including providing a platform for ceramic talents and lovers, collecting distinctive artworks with unique visions and ideas, and presenting the status quo of ceramic art development around the globe. Over the years, it has not only cemented Taiwan’s position in international contemporary ceramic art but also brought Yingge, where the Museum is located, to become one major global ceramic art hub.
2016 Taiwan Ceramics Biennale “Concept” is the spectacular outcome of 2 years endeavor, from promotion, call for entry to selection and exhibition. The participant geography covers all major continents, including 369 artists from 48 countries. Jury panel is formed with 7 international professionals, including Chen Chun-lan (Director of New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum), Lin Pin (Director of Taipei Fine Arts Museum), Fan Cheng-chin and Shao Ting-ju (professional ceramic artists), Ranti Tjan (Director of European Ceramic Workcentre- Sundaymorning@ekwc), Linda Sikora (Professor of Alfred University, USA ), and Kwanho Woo (Professor of Hongik University, Korea). The preliminary selection was conducted by ranking on the scores that were graded by each juror based on the images provided by participant artists. And all jury members were invited to Taiwan to evaluate the selected 122 pieces of original artworks from over 30 countries on November 8th and 9th, 2015. The final decision on 20 winning works, including 2 grand prize, 2 gold prize, 2 silver prizes, 2 bronze prizes, 5merit prizes and 7 juror’s recommendation prizes, was eventually made after several rounds of voting and discussion.