The main exhibition of the ongoing international craft biennale in Cheonju shed light on the new paradigm of craft: the creation process.
The exhibition, called “The Making Process,” is under way at the Biennale Exhibition Hall as part of the Cheongju International Craft Biennale. It features 595 items presented by 46 teams from 12 countries, the organizing committee said in a release.
As a crucial issue in the craft field across the world, the creation process “has well reflected the history of an artist and his/her works for a long time,” the organizers said, adding that it also fits well into the theme of this biennale: “Hands , Expansion and Co-existence.”
The main exhibition will feature four sections — Tools of Crafts, Inheritance, Expansion, and Co-existence — which “show how the making process in craft has changed as time goes by.”
On display in the first section are tools made from ceramic, wood, and glass, among other materials, which serve as “a second hand” for artists, according to the organizer.
The Inheritance section, which displays major collections of Korean contemporary art, tells about how artisans have sustained traditional values and sought future paths. Among the art forms on display is the country’s traditional lacquerware.
The Expansion exhibit focuses on what organizers and artists are currently facing in the world of craft and how they are preparing for changes in the future, with pieces by Gabriela Liganza and Unfold on display.
“What is drawing attention is the possible effects the employment of new materials and state-of-the-art science technology will have on this art,” the organizer said.
The co-existence section shows new horizons created by modern art and design, with the case in point being fashion designer-turned-ceramic artist Bouke de Vries.
“This exhibition will provide visitors with a glimpse of the past, present and future of craft at one time, with a focus on the making process,” according to the release.
The biennale opened on Sept. 16 in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and is scheduled to run till Sunday. (Yonhap)
