In 2022, Oi! launched the Archaic Curator Series, inviting Chinese art historians and curators to collaborate with us on exhibitions that engage with traditional Chinese art through innovative forms of expression, bridging the old and the new. This third exhibition of the series is guest curated by Dr Wang Guanyu, Associate Curator (Antiquities) of the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Art Museum), with three accomplished artists from Jingdezhen and Hong Kong—Gu Yue, Fiona Wong and Caroline Cheng—participating.

The challenge of balancing tradition and modernity has always been an important topic to the creation of art. Each of the three artists featured in this exhibition approaches their works from a different angle: ceramic traditions, contemporary ceramics and the sustainable future of ceramic art. Focusing on the rich essence and endless possibilities of using colours in ceramics and taking inspiration from the CUHK Art Museum’s collection, the artists infuse their own technical artistry and aesthetics into their works, showcasing their personal understanding and interpretation of contemporary ceramic art.

Jingdezhen, known as the millennium porcelain capital, is renowned for its rich ceramic heritage. Gu Yue, a graduate of Jingdezhen Ceramic University draws inspiration from flowers and nature to express the vibrant spirit of the new generation of ceramic artists. His works skillfully blend traditional moulding and decorative techniques with contemporary aesthetics.

In recent years, Fiona Wong has focused on exploring soil and studying Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. For this exhibition, she draws inspiration from the stories surrounding Nam Koo Terrace, a century-old mansion in Wan Chai. Through her meticulous craftsmanship, she assembles ceramic tiles to create a historical map of Wan Chai. She also incorporates soil indigenous to the area and employs modern ceramic 3D printing technology to guide visitors to uncover the narratives behind contemporary urban development.

Caroline Cheng and her team have developed a method to upcycle ceramic waste into malleable clay, challenging the conventional perceptions of ceramics. Visitors to the exhibition can admire her latest works, crafted from this sustainable material. Cheng likens herself to the old man who moved a mountain in the famous Chinese fable, persistently striving for the sustainable development of ceramics, one step at a time.

To enrich visitors’ appreciation of the beauty of traditional Chinese ceramics, the CUHK Art Museum is concurrently showcasing "Amazing Clay: Masterpieces from the Ceramic Collection of CUHK Art Museum". Visitors are invited to embark on an artistic journey that spans thousands of years and admire ceramic works dating from the Neolithic period to the 21st century. The exhibition prompts visitors to contemplate and explore the roots of ceramic art, its contemporary interpretation and its endless future possibilities.

Guest Curator: Wang Guanyu
Artists: Gu Yue, Fiona Wong and Caroline Cheng
Date: 26.9.2024 — 31.1.2025
Venue: Oi! Glassie

A Tour to Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space
Our exhibition docent will guide the participants to first explore the "Archaic Curator Series: The Charm of Colour — Travel with Ceramics through Time and Space" at Oi!, where they can learn about the production process of Chinese ceramics and appreciate contemporary ceramic art. After that, participants will traverse a time tunnel to visit "Amazing Clay: Masterpieces from the Ceramic Collection of CUHK Art Museum" exhibition. They will gain insight into the evolution of Chinese ceramics over seven thousand years, deepening their appreciation for the beauty of traditional Chinese ceramics and embarking on an artistic journey across millennia.

Date: Until 10.11.2024 (Sunday) / 17.11.2024 (Sunday) / 15.12.2024 (Sunday)
Time: 2:30pm — 5:00pm
Venue: Oi! Glassie, Oi! and Art Museum, CUHK (Free shuttle bus service connecting Oi! and Art Museum, CUHK will be available for programme participants. The participants will be dropped off at the MTR University Station at the end of the programme.)
Fee: Free

The tour will be conducted in Cantonese. Prior registration is required. (To register, please send the participant's name and phone number to scyma@lcsd.gov.hk by email.) A confirmation email will be sent upon successful registration.

Ceramic Fun Tour
The lab technician will employ lively and entertaining methods to reveal the secrets of ceramic production to the participants. Visitors can also select a unique ceramic colour to create a personalised postcard to share with family and friends.

Date: 26.9.2024 — 31.1.2025
Time: 3:00pm — 4:00pm
Location: Oi! Glassie, Oi!
Fee: Free

Free Guided Tour for Groups
Guided Tour for Groups can be arranged upon request. Registered schools, charitable or non-profit-making organisation with a group of 20 or more; or registered schools, charitable or non-profit-making organisation serving people with disabilities or the elderly, with a group of 10 or more, can apply for Guided Tour for Groups service. Guided tours are also available to introduce the historic building of Oi!, as well as other exhibitions. Please call (852) 2512 3000 or email apo@lcsd.gov.hk for enquiry or reservation.

The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.