New Orientalia:Ceramics Generations Exploring Taiwan Conterporary Ceramics
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Suggested by our host, the New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum, the theme “New Orientalia” is aimed at exploring the materials, processes and symbolic contents characterizing the Eastern approach to functional ceramics and its influence in the larger context of international contemporary ceramics.
It is in Barcelona, in 2016, that the IAC introduced a themed exhibition for the first time—entitled Ceramics in Architecture and Public Space. To be valid, the theme must be linked to the host’s local identity and have some global significance for ceramic modes of expression. The themed exhibition format invites IAC members to produce works that are Congress specific. It is juried, but the jury’s purpose is not about selecting artworks according to quality criteria—our members being skilled and established artists indeed. Rather, it is about assessing the adequacy of the proposed works with the suggested theme. This theme also serves as a framework and red thread for conferences and Congress activities at large.
The IAC, which currently counts more than 600 members, thereby acknowledges the impossibility to showcase that many artworks without sacrificing relevance, given the stylistic and formal diversity of exhibited pieces. Besides, how could we attest to the transgender nature of ceramic practices if not by convincingly reframing our discourse differently each time? Because of its commitment to excellence, it falls to the IAC to move in this direction, thereby allowing artworks to be understood within the larger context of collective members exhibitions.
For this 48th IAC Congress and General Assembly in New Taipei City, I would like to thank the organizing team members at the Yingge Ceramics Museum for their dedication, tenaciousness and ability to handle the innumerable specific points that arise in the always complex run-up to a congress. The IAC Congress features national and international exhibitions, in addition to lectures in New Taipei City and further visits of the island attractions during pre- and post-tours. My thanks also go to the public and private institutions whose support helped produce this Congress. Including The Ministry of Culture of Taiwan (Republic of China), The Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA. New Taipei City Government, La Ceramica Moderna & Antica, Italy., THZ Gallery, and G-Ping Life.
Of the IAC role
The “IAC miracle” is happening once more, in New Taipei City in 2018, where the best international ceramics professionals are gathered. This Congress, just like the previous ones, is an opportunity to create and consolidate links, expanding personal and institutional networks at local as well as international levels. Far more than “high-profile” cultural tourism or scholar-focused activities, encountering persons with diverse cultural backgrounds and interest in foreign cultures is a core component of the IAC. It is one of the values that the IAC stands for, as is clearly acknowledged in its founding principles.
To conclude, I would like to extend my thanks to the IAC members who accepted to play the game through their works and presence, to help implement this collective project at the heart of the IAC.
Jacques Kaufmann
Vanzy, France
March 22nd, 2018