The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Gwacheon, South Korea, is hosting a monumental exhibition titled Korean Contemporary Ceramics: Ever New in the Eternal Now. Running from November 21, 2024, to May 6, 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the evolution of Korean ceramics, bridging the country’s rich heritage with innovative modern expressions.
Korean ceramics, exemplified by iconic works like the "cheongja(청자)" (celadon) and "dalhangari(달항아리)" (moon jar), hold a profound place in the nation's cultural identity. These artifacts transcend mere utility, embodying centuries of artistic philosophy and aesthetic sensibility. This exhibition not only celebrates this legacy but also delves into how ceramics have adapted to Korea’s shifting cultural and historical landscapes, particularly from the mid-20th century to the present.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
A total of 200 ceramic works and an additional 70 archival items from 74 participating artists—including Jeong Kyu, Yoo Geun Hyung, and Kim Jae Seok—are on display. These works are presented alongside documentary materials to provide context, showcasing the enduring relevance of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary artistic practice.
Korean ceramics underwent significant transformation during the 1950s, a period marked by Korea's recovery from colonial rule and war. Institutions like the Seongbuk-dong Kiln and the Daebang-dong Kiln were pivotal in restoring traditional ceramic techniques while laying the groundwork for modern innovations. The exhibition highlights these pioneering efforts, which preserved traditional values amidst economic and cultural upheavals.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
In the decades that followed, the modernization of Korean ceramics reflected broader societal changes. The government’s Five-Year Economic Development Plan and cultural revival initiatives in the 1960s spurred ceramicists to reinterpret traditional forms with a modern lens. During this time, Korean ceramics gained international recognition, particularly in the Western world, for their unique blend of folk aesthetics and innovative designs.
The 1980s marked a renaissance for Korean ceramics, spurred by global cultural exchanges and events such as the Seoul Olympics. Large-scale workshops and exhibitions connected Korean ceramicists with international art movements, leading to a surge in ceramic sculpture and studio crafts. Artists embraced their roles as modern creators, balancing individual artistic expression with traditional influences.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
In the 21st century, ceramics have evolved into a medium that reflects broader social and cultural narratives. Events like the Cheongju Craft Biennale and the Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale have elevated Korean ceramics on the global stage, fostering discussions about hybridity, pluralism, and the redefinition of craft as fine art. Today, ceramics continue to challenge traditional boundaries, serving as a dynamic form of cultural expression.
Korean Contemporary Ceramics: Ever New in the Eternal Now offers a comprehensive journey through the history and future of Korean ceramics. By highlighting the intersection of tradition and modernity, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the role of ceramics in art, society, and culture. Admission is 2,000 won, and the works are displayed across the museum’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-floor galleries.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Gwacheon, South Korea, is hosting a monumental exhibition titled Korean Contemporary Ceramics: Ever New in the Eternal Now. Running from November 21, 2024, to May 6, 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the evolution of Korean ceramics, bridging the country’s rich heritage with innovative modern expressions.
Korean ceramics, exemplified by iconic works like the "cheongja(청자)" (celadon) and "dalhangari(달항아리)" (moon jar), hold a profound place in the nation's cultural identity. These artifacts transcend mere utility, embodying centuries of artistic philosophy and aesthetic sensibility. This exhibition not only celebrates this legacy but also delves into how ceramics have adapted to Korea’s shifting cultural and historical landscapes, particularly from the mid-20th century to the present.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
A total of 200 ceramic works and an additional 70 archival items from 74 participating artists—including Jeong Kyu, Yoo Geun Hyung, and Kim Jae Seok—are on display. These works are presented alongside documentary materials to provide context, showcasing the enduring relevance of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary artistic practice.
Korean ceramics underwent significant transformation during the 1950s, a period marked by Korea's recovery from colonial rule and war. Institutions like the Seongbuk-dong Kiln and the Daebang-dong Kiln were pivotal in restoring traditional ceramic techniques while laying the groundwork for modern innovations. The exhibition highlights these pioneering efforts, which preserved traditional values amidst economic and cultural upheavals.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
In the decades that followed, the modernization of Korean ceramics reflected broader societal changes. The government’s Five-Year Economic Development Plan and cultural revival initiatives in the 1960s spurred ceramicists to reinterpret traditional forms with a modern lens. During this time, Korean ceramics gained international recognition, particularly in the Western world, for their unique blend of folk aesthetics and innovative designs.
The 1980s marked a renaissance for Korean ceramics, spurred by global cultural exchanges and events such as the Seoul Olympics. Large-scale workshops and exhibitions connected Korean ceramicists with international art movements, leading to a surge in ceramic sculpture and studio crafts. Artists embraced their roles as modern creators, balancing individual artistic expression with traditional influences.
The installation view of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
In the 21st century, ceramics have evolved into a medium that reflects broader social and cultural narratives. Events like the Cheongju Craft Biennale and the Gyeonggi Ceramic Biennale have elevated Korean ceramics on the global stage, fostering discussions about hybridity, pluralism, and the redefinition of craft as fine art. Today, ceramics continue to challenge traditional boundaries, serving as a dynamic form of cultural expression.
Korean Contemporary Ceramics: Ever New in the Eternal Now offers a comprehensive journey through the history and future of Korean ceramics. By highlighting the intersection of tradition and modernity, the exhibition invites visitors to reconsider the role of ceramics in art, society, and culture. Admission is 2,000 won, and the works are displayed across the museum’s 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-floor galleries.
The poster of the exhibition, Courtesy of MMCA Korea
