Exhibit showcases Taiwan’s world-renowned craft artists

2015/11/10

An eclectic exhibition is underway at the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute in Nantou County, showcasing diverse craftworks by young Taiwanese artists who have shined in global competitions.

Backed by the Ministry of Culture, “Pearls on the Crown— Exhibition of Taiwan Talents in International Craft Competitions” features 200-plus pieces by 56 talents born after 1970. Art forms on display include fiber art, glass, jewelry, lacquer, metalcraft and pottery, as well as stone and wood carvings.

NTCRDI Director Hsu Keng-hsiu said at the Nov. 5 opening ceremony that the artists helped shape Taiwan's craft art scene through their international achievements. “They set perfect examples for the talents of tomorrow to build upon, further strengthening the development of local artistic circles.”

Echoing Hsu’s remarks, an MOC official said the artworks illustrate these young stars’ innovative ideas. “Combining contemporary art, modern techniques and the use of composite materials, the talents herald a new chapter for creative crafts in Taiwan.”

One highlight of the exhibition is the pottery series “Straw Clay Branches” by Li Tsung-ju, who won the Special Award at the 2011 Gyeonggi International Ceramic Biennale of South Korea and the Silver Prize at the 2012 Taiwan Ceramics Biennale.

The exhibited ceramics fashioned with straw and clay are abundant in texture and have been made into stunning shapes that embody Li’s insistence on creating pottery purely for the sake of art, as opposed to crafting pieces that have practical uses.

Equally impressive is “Rusted Objects” by Chen Ying-ting, a nominee at the 2012 From Lausanne to Beijing— International Fiber Art Biennial, and the third prize winner at the 2014 Valcellina Award—International Contemporary Fiber Art Competition.

Dyed by iron rust, the piece consists of multi-layered gauze hardened by glue, which forms a book-like artwork with “pages” colored from light to dark.

Running through May 1 next year, the event introduces the goals and development of prestigious international craft exhibitions such as Japan’s Ishikawa International Urushi Exhibition and International Ceramics Festival Mino, as well as the Schmuck and Talante competitions in Germany.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238664&ctNode=2194&mp=9)