Joylynn Lee
Executive Arts Editor
LACMA’s new exhibit opens the eyes of viewers, showing how previous works from around the world provide the opportunity to connect to the past that’s full of ceramic artistry.
“Conversing in Clay” explores ancient pieces of ceramics from around the world full of color and unique form. The juxtaposition of the international art pieces illuminate shared qualities and meanings to viewers.
Open to the public on August 7, “Conversing in Clay” features multiple artists specifically Yeesookyung, Elyse Pignolet, Diego Romero, and Stevan Young Lee. Each artist shows how one of the earliest forms of artistic expression, ceramics, are still relevant while remaining as a requisite field of experimentation today.
Diego Romero, a Cochiti Pueblo artist, created a ceramic piece known as “Theater of War.” Romero expresses the complications of human nature due to the constant wars and terrors. His ceramic piece portrays absolute perfection and complexities due to his precise geometric shapes throughout his entire piece. Romero attributes his artwork to previous Cochiti ancestors while also being inspired by Ancient Greek vessels.
“Trophy Wife,” created by Elyse Pignolet, is made by importing blue and white porcelain directly from Asia to create a refined and luxurious look. Pignolet’s piece focuses on the objectification of women by displaying a gorgeous yet familiar type of blue and white ceramic that would normally be seen in many different types of Asian arts. She creates the stereotypical objectified body figure to criticize the emphasis on women and misogynistic stereotypes. Therefore she shows her brilliance by painting on many names of prominent female figures like Melinda Gates, Ivanka Trump, Ruth Bader Gainsburg, and Chrissy Teigen.
The most illuminating piece in the exhibit was Yeesookyung’s, “Translated Vase.” Yeesookyung’s monumental sculpture was made from shattered glass which made this piece reflect the light in the room and shine in every angle. Her exquisite perspective in ceramics portray the charms of flawed and textured pieces of ceramic. She shows how small imperfections can create a work of beauty.
“Conversing in Clay” also exhibits one of Steven Young Lee’s most prominent pieces, “Jar with Tiger and Clouds.” Lee’s reinterpretation of traditional Eastern Asian ceramic practices stands out in the exhibit. His exaggerations of crack and drips of paint plants obviously surprised faces on viewers. Lee breaks out of the stereotype of “pretty” and “perfect” ceramics by personalizing his art to bring out his childhood fun and uniqueness.
Another statement ceramic piece in the exhibit was Karl H. L. Muller’s, “Union Porcelain Works.” The bright and vibrant colors seeped through this piece due to its texture and painted images full of life. Muller changes the dynamic of the room by including U.S. history by framing George Washington’s in the center of the artistic piece. The eclectic decorations evokes America’s past through gorgeous and lively porcelain designs combined with mini images of revolutionary moments in America’s past.
The ceramics displayed in LACMA’s, “Conversing in Clay” branch into the beauty of the similarities and differences of ceramics throughout history. This exhibit provides inspirational lessons and ranging collections while simultaneously exposing international forms of ceramic.
“Conversing in Clay” opened on Aug. 7 and is open to the public until May 23. For more information visit lacma.org.
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