Exhibit inaugurates NTCRI’s Taipei branch

2015/11/25

The Masterpieces—Contemporary Crafts Collection exhibition kicked off Nov. 21 at the Taipei branch of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, celebrating the opening of the new division and highlighting the vibrancy of Taiwan’s crafts sector.

Separated into two sections, the five-month event features a collection of artworks comprising ceramics, metal sculptures and woodcarvings by nearly 50 prestigious artists, as well as a display of 30 creative pieces inspired by traditional folk objects.

“The event pays tribute to the tireless efforts of these artists over many years, and their contributions to helping shape the national artistic landscape,” an NTCRI official said. “In addition, the department store-like layout of the exhibition space is certain to generate interest and attract more visitors.”

Highlighted artists include ceramist Su Shih-hsiung, winner of the 2010 National Crafts Achievement Award. Su specializes in carved glaze works, which are initially shaped by wheel-throwing before being fired in a kiln at 800 degrees Celsius. After applying layers of color to the pieces, the artist carves, cuts and burnishes his works before once again firing them, creating varied patterns and rich hues with an embossed effect.

Another well-known maestro is Wu Ching, who began his career in woodcarving before starting to produce gold sculptures, primarily of insects and plants, in 1989 at age 34. To create a work, he heats .9999 pure gold to 1,200 degrees Celsius, which enables him to shape the material into intricate forms and gives his pieces an exceptionally smooth finish.

Equally noteworthy is Lee Ping-kuei, who was recognized as a preserver of important heritage crafts by the Ministry of Culture in 2013 for his woodcarving techniques. Trained in Chinese calligraphy, painting, history and literature, Lee produces exquisite traditional artworks, with his statues depicting the Goddess of Mercy having received particular praise.

Meanwhile, the second display section reimagines the functions of daily folk objects. One interesting exhibit is a chair made from a traditional flower-patterned iron window grill. Another eye-catching item is a throw pillow that resembles a Chinese pastry. Using traditional objects and symbols to produce everyday pieces, artworks in this part of the exhibit are intended to highlight the abundant creativity in the local cultural and creative sector.

Located at the Nanhai Academy, the NTCRI’s Taipei branch was previously home to the National Taiwan Science Education Center. Constructed by architect Lu Yu-jun in 1958, the building was recognized as a historic site by the MOC in 2006 for its traditional cylindrical structure and colored glazed roof tiles.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=239300&ctNode=2194&mp=9)