Vernissage of Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale Selected Works Exhibition (Sweden)

On August 20, the vernissage of Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale Selected Works Exhibition (Sweden) was opened at China Cultural Center in Stockholm. The exhibition is sponsored by Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Jingdezhen Municipal People’s Government, Jingdezhen Ceramic University, China Culture Center in Stockholm, and China Arts and Entertainment Group Ltd., and organized by Jiangxi Provincial Art Museum, School of Fine Arts of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen Ceramic University Museum, School of Art and Design of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, and China International Exhibition Agency. The event was attended by Li Rui, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sweden and Director of China Cultural Center in Stockholm, Shao Changzong and Zhao Lantao, Vice Dean of the School of Fine Arts of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Yu Jianfeng, Vice Dean of the School of Design and Art of Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Li Yunyun, Senior Project Manager of China International Exhibition Agency, Torsten Jurell, Swedish ceramic artist, and nearly a hundred Swedish artists and Chinese culture lovers.

Since its first edition in 2021, Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale has become a major platform for national and international ceramic art exchanges. This exhibition displays 38 outstanding works selected from previous editions of Jingdezhen International Ceramic Art Biennale created by 38 artists from countries including China, Sweden, Thailand, the United States, and Canada.

In his speech, Swedish artist Torsten Jurell mentioned that trade between Sweden and Jingdezhen dates back to the 18th century, a connection still evident in the ceramic collections of Gothenburg today. He said that Jingdezhen provides an excellent creative environment for artists worldwide, and has inspired his artistic creation. He will continue to pursue his art career in Jingdezhen and make more contribution to building a bridge of friendship to further promote cultural exchanges between China and Sweden.

Zhao Lantao, the Executive Curator of the exhibition, stated to the People’s Daily that ceramics, tea, and silk have long been the three major items in China’s foreign trade and the cultural symbols with distinct Chinese and Eastern features in the landscape of world culture and human civilization. Chinese porcelain has a deep-rooted tradition of dissemination in Europe, and Zhao believes that this exhibition will provide the Swedish public with a close-up opportunity to better understand the evolution and development of modern Chinese ceramic art and to engage in interactions and exchanges.

Shao Changzong, Vice Dean of the School of Fine Arts of Jingdezhen Ceramic University said that “arch” is a common form in Chinese cave dwellings and palaces, as well as on the streets of Stockholm and other European cities. His ceramic work is presented in the form of an arch, symbolizing a “gateway to connecting the past and exploring the future.” Shao hoped that Swedish audiences will gain new insights into the different civilizations and cultures of East and West through the exhibition.

Yu Jianfeng, Vice Dean of the School of Design and Art of Jingdezhen Ceramic University said, “the exhibition in Sweden is not only a successful continuation of the previous two editions, but also an important event for promoting cultural exchanges between China and Sweden. My work is a ceramic painting that uses high-temperature color glazes to convey the essence of Chinese landscape art.” He explained that his creative approach is primarily focused on expressing a contemporary spirit through the traditional Chinese concept of “ceramic painting”. Yu believes that this exhibition holds positive significance for advancing international exchanges in ceramic art.

Shao Changzong and Yu Jianfeng gave a guided tour and shared with the audience the artistic concepts and creative processes, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the works. The audience was deeply impressed by the art pieces, expressing that it not only gave them a more profound understanding of contemporary Chinese ceramic art, but also sparked their appreciation for cultural diversity.