Ancient Memories-1 2018

The color schemes of inky black, metallic brown and patina green evoke ancient Chinese murals and vessels, while the abstract brushstrokes mediate the reference to the ancient past. The color and structure creates a serene beauty lies in the intersection of the modern and ancient worlds.

Ancient Memories-2 2018

The physical process of creating a ceramics piece is an organic procedure that requires perfect combination of hand, clay, water, glaze and fire. First and foremost, artistic expression is based on craftsmanship. The seemingly identical process could produce unexpected surface texture and gloss each time. The surprises connect me with the materials and illuminate me in my artistic exploration.

Ancient Memories-3 2018

I am always in conversation with materials; every piece is a debate between the clay and me. The formation of a piece is a cooling process, in which active clay transforms into stable pottery. As the metamorphosis takes place in my palms, I grow together with the materials.

Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.

Kun Jia

Italy

https://www.instagram.com/phoebejk/

Jia Kun was born in China in 1988. She graduated in 2018 with a MFA in Decoration from Brera Academy. Working as the 2018 artist-in-residence at Guldagergaard International Ceramic Research Center, Jia experimented with ceramics surface texture and transmutation glaze in conceptual art. Drawing on sociology and cultural studies, Jia’s ceramics works challenge the dichotomy between Eastern and Western culture and strive to merge Chinese and Western aesthetics. Beyond the recurring themes of time, memory, nostalgia, and death is her artistic exploration of a voice that reconciles her own living experience and contemporary life in general.