Article by Alison Ng
From January 21-25, hundreds of porcelain, pottery, and glass will be on display at the Bohemian National Hall for the 2015 New York Ceramics & Glass Fair. It is during New York’s Winter Antiques Week that thirty-six galleries from around the world come together to exhibit, and hopefully sell, their treasures.
This year, the New York Ceramics & Glass fair has embraced a “Fresh Identity.” Not only is this the first year that “Glass” has been added to the fair’s title, but the fair is also showcasing a wider variety of contemporary and culturally diverse works.
The Fair is displayed on three different floors in the Bohemian National Hall; the 3rd floor showcases contemporary ceramics and glass while the other two floors are galleries.
On the 3rd floor Professor Chen Yan, a Chinese artist, makes his U.S. debut. His exhibit displays an assortment of handmade glazes that include flower pots and bowls, but also a twisted tree bark and short jeans. His display is interactive; viewers are given the opportunity to write down their thoughts and emotions on paper while observing each piece.
Professor Chen Yan’s piece “The Golden Years,” is a bowl that is a part of a collection of bowls. It was created “by using unconventional combinations in handmade glazes, manipulation of chemistry, while utilizing modern technology, and techniques.”1
“It is a celebration of life,” one of Professor Chen Yan’s assistants explained. “All of Professor Chen Yan’s techniques, of everything that he’s ever done, came into play to create this piece.”
Another highlight of the fair is the contemporary display It’s Always Teatime in Wonderland, which is inspired by the story of Alice in Wonderland. The exhibition brings together established Czech designers, Jakub Berdych, Radka Kovačiková, Věra Panková and Maxim Velčovský, with younger, emerging artists: Kristýna Bratránková, Lucie Kovačiková, Jolana Sornerová, Helena Tapajnová, and Hana Vinklárková.
Overall, this year’s Ceramics & Glass Fair holds a wonderful assortment of works. In addition to modern works, audience members can also catch a glimpse of distinguished pieces from artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. More information, including the full exhibition list, can be found on the NY Ceramics & Glass Fair’s website: http://www.newyorkceramicsandglassfair.com.
Photo credit Annie Watt
