Sea: The world is large. And Air: Silently Birds fly through us
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
I was invited by curator Prof Zhao Peisheng from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology to make work for the exhibition Encounter: Shanghai Contemporary Ceramic Experimental Art Exhibition an exhibition to celebrate the ancient Chinese history of ceramics through contemporary artworks and ceramics.
Research Contribution
The two works that I have made for the exhibition are acts of active contemplation. They are small artists’ books with images of the sea and of the air, with birds, clouds and smoke. Such images, which are part of my ongoing research into impermanence, share a common unspoken language between all humanity and it is this shared experience which transcends language and cultures that my work engages with. These books include poem-fragments from Rainer Maria Rilke – his text echoes the interconnection of humanity with nature. My images link to the long history of Chinese ceramics; for millennia it is common to see depictions of birds and the sea in decorations adorning vessels of Chinese origin. Ceramics must undergo a process of being fired in the kiln and this process of alchemy is a process of fundamental transformation which is essential for any creative act. My works runs in parallel to such alchemy as they are made using an intaglio printing press; the prints are formed under immense pressure to compress knowledge, contemplation and experience.
Research Significance
The exhibition was in association and funding from, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai Chinese Ceramic Artist Association and the Shanghai Foreign Cultural Exchange Association; 24 Chinese and 8 Foreign artists were invited exhibiting 78 works of art in total. This exhibition received wide exposure through social media wechat in China. A full colour catalogue is forthcoming. The works became part of the KE Art Gallery Museum collection.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Original Creative Work
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2020
Publisher
Shanghai Contemporary Ceramic Experimental Art Exhibition
School
School of Arts and Humanities / Centre for Research in Entertainment, Arts, Technology, Education and Communications
RAS ID
32909
Event Title
Encounter: Shanghai Contemporary Ceramic Experimental Art Exhibition
Event Dates
August 11, 2020 – 2 January, 2021
Event Venue
KE Art Gallery Museum Shanghai, China
Comments
Uhlmann, P. (2020). Sea: The world is large. And Air: Silently Birds fly through us [artist's books]. KE Art Gallery Museum Shanghai, China.