Thursday

PRIOR MEETING: Life in Ceramics: Five Contemporary Korean Artists



DATE: Sunday, May 22, 2011, 1:00 pm
SITE: St. Johns Hospital – Oakland: Education Center
27351 Dequindre Rd (West side); Madison Heights
(North of 11 Mile Rd • South of 12 Mile
Conveniently located North of I-696 and East of I-75)

Meeting Information: Patricia Beer @ (586) 558-9767


PowerPoint Presentation & Film



Life in Ceramics: Five Contemporary Korean Artists



Dr. Natsu Oyobe PhD, Presenter, Research Curator of Asian Art - The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)






Yoon Kwang-cho - Heart Sutra 2001

Red clay, slab built; covered with white slip and incised; clear glaze Collection of the artist

(right)

Yoon Kwang-cho - Meditation 1994

Red clay, slab built; white slip brushed on and incised; clear glaze Collection of the artist

(left)

Natsu Oyobe earned her Ph.D from the University of Michigan (2005) in History of Art and currently serves as Research Curator of Asian Art at The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). She oversees the Asian collection and exhibitions at UMMA. Natsu is currently working on four exhibition projects which involve various cultures and spans of time. Multiple Impressions: Contemporary Chinese Woodblock Prints (July 16-October 23, 2011) will showcase the the extraordinary innovations, in both technique and conception, which have transformed this long-established art form in the 21st century. Another exhibition, scheduled in Fall 2012, will introduce works of a dynamic contemporary artist duo from Korea, Young-Hae Heavy Industries, who produce fast-pace, web-based video work with an acute sense of social and political criticism. The other two exhibitions will look at the Tibetan Buddhist ritual painting of Tanga, and contemporary textile works by leading Japanese artists.



Korean ceramics have been admired since the 12th century for their superb craftsmanship and original shapes, techniques, and design, as well as for their visual reflection of the culture's history and soul. This exhibition focuses on five artists with well established reputations in Korea, whose visually stunning ceramic objects acknowledge and engage with Korean clay traditions yet embody innovative, unexpected art making and conceptual approaches. Life in Ceramics brings together for the first time the work of Kim Yikyung, Lee In Chin, Lee Kang Hyo, Lee Young-jae, and Yoon Kwang-cho. These contemporary ceramicists take familiar, everyday forms such as bowls and vases as a starting point from which to explore the astonishing beauty of these shapes as works of art. Each produces work grounded in Korea’s ancient ceramic traditions, but takes it in new and often surprising directions. Objects from each artist’s everyday ware collection will also be shown, so that visitors can examine how each artist makes the distinction between fine art and functional design.



UMMA's collection of Korean Art grew more than five-fold in 2004, when the Museum acquired nearly 250 objects, including ceramics, brassware, and furniture. With this addition, UMMA is able to present a comprehensive survey of Korean ceramics - Korea's most distinct and enduring art form - spanning from the third to the nineteenth centuries. The Korean collection continues to expand with the recent acquisition of lacquer ware, painting, and calligraphy.



- If you are interested in joining a gathering at Tokyo buffet in Southfield in July, please contact Patricia at (586) 558-9767. Notices will only be sent to people who notify Patricia of their interest.



- MOAS members have been invited for a potluck luncheon at a member's home in West Bloomfield in late summer or early fall, date to be determined.



- Members and Guests are encouraged to bring Korean artifacts to share with the group. Join us at Mongolian Buffet, 12 Mile & Ryan, for dinner after the meeting.



- Visit our web site, type: Michigan Oriental Art Society in your search engine.



Meeting Location: St John's Hospital - Oakland Education Center, 27351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights - - North of 11 Mile Rd. (I696) & East of I75