Exploring the contemporary significance of ceramic art

A mainstay of Chinese culture, ceramic art was once the country's most influential cultural symbol abroad. But what about today? From March 2 to 17, the Today Art Museum in Beijing is presenting the International Exhibition of Chinese Contemporary Ceramic Art, exploring the contemporary significance of this ancient art through artworks created by local artists.

Apart from this exploration, the exhibition also focuses on the big question facing modern Chinese culture today: How should a culture that didn't experience the same explosive development which occurred in other cultures proceed when swept by globalization?

In today's world, ceramic art is in partial decline. When it comes to usage, it has become a cheap commodity. As for its artistic aspects, it has been reduced to a folk art. According to Zi He, the curator of this exhibition, contemporary ceramic art, or new ceramic art, will most assuredly be able to continue developing as it has throughout China's rich history. "This exhibition seeks a brand new possibility for the revitalization of this ancient art today and its continued existence," said Zi.