London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

Symposium: Joining Hemispheres, at the KCC

The title of this Monday’s seminar plays on the construction method of the Moon Jar. I wish I could make it. It looks like an interesting afternoon. As usual, pre-booking via [email protected] is required.

Symposium: Joining Hemispheres

2pm Monday 22nd July
KCCUK Multi-purpose Hall

Joining Hemispheres posterThis will be a day of exchange, interaction, new perspectives and discussion with the Curators and Artists. With specific historical reference to the Korean Moon Jar, the event will reflect a deeper understanding of how culture and art are shaped by context. Over the passage of time and place the interpretation and meaning of objects can shift to create new narratives, unexpected connections and encounters.

Celebrating 130 years of Korean-Anglo relations the exhibition considers the continued relevance of the Full Moon Jar in Britain today. MOON JAR: Contemporary Translations in Britain explores a contemporary response through the work of four leading potters based in the UK: Adam Buick, Jack Doherty, Akiko Hirai and Gareth Mason and Korean artist Yee Sookyung. The Korean Moon Jar or dal-hang-a-ri has an iconic almost mythological status. The artists have each been invited to position their work alongside the historic vessel form, re-contextualising it through their individual ceramics practice.

Programme Schedule

Welcome and Introduction

Chair – Jack Doherty.
As well as lecturing, writing and curating exhibitions, Jack Doherty is currently chair of the organising committee of Ceramic Art London and, as former Chair of the Craft Potters Association is at the forefront of promoting contemporary ceramics. Between 2008 and 2013 Doherty was the first Lead Potter and Creative Director at the restored Leach Pottery in St Ives, Cornwall.

Curators Talks (2.10-3.15pm)

2.10 – 2.30pm
Dr Soomi Lee. Visiting Curator, Korean Collection, British Museum / Curator, National Museum of Korea
Moon Jar in Cultural Perspective of Joseon Period
Outline of historical and cultural context of Moon Jar

2.30 – 2.50pm
Alex Lambley. Research Fellow, the Leach Pottery/ Doctoral Candidate, Falmouth University.
Modernity and Modernism; Bernard Leach, Lucie Rie and the Moon Jar.
Although much has been written about both Leach and Rie, there is little or no explanation regarding the threads that bound them to the Moon Jar. Framed by Modernity and Modernism, this paper considers Leach and Rie’s differing translations of this icon work.

2.50 – 3.05pm
Sarah Frangleton, Independent Curator
Contemporary Translations and Interpretations
Exploring a new perspective from painting and literature to photography; Contemporary Artists and Makers alike have been inspired by the archetypal vessel form of the Korean Moon Jar.

Q&A

Break (3.15 – 3.45pm)

During the break there will be an opportunity to view ‘Aspheric Light’ a film made in response to the Moon Jar Exhibition by James Kelly.

Artists Talks (3.45-5.00pm)

3.45 – 4.00pm
Jack Doherty (Chair) The Ambiguity of Function
Since the beginnings of civilisation mankind has created clay vessels for practical application. As society evolves we no longer need pots out of ‘necessity’ and survival. Archetypal forms from history are touchstones in my practice; vessels made for a contemporary context can be solitary and contemplative or ceremonial, for everyday or a special occasion. I question their place in the world.

4.00 – 4.15pm
Gareth Mason, An Aesthetic of Acceptance- A potter’s response to the Korean Full Moon Jar in the British Museum collection

Bernard Leach’s decision to purchase his Joseon Full Moon Jar from an antiquary in Seoul in 1935 had far-reaching consequences.
I wonder if he imagined that it would become a treasure of the British Museum and consequently sow seeds in the imaginations of thousands of people, myself included. I will interrogate this remarkable vessel with a potter’s empathy and throw light on how it recorded an unselfconscious philosophy of making and became a crucible of dreams.

4.15 – 4.30pm
Adam Buick, Earth to Earth Presentation of Land Art Film
My work explores the human experience of landscape through a single jar form.By incorporating stone and locally dug clay into the jars I wanted to create a narrative that conveys a unique sense of place. The individuality and tension between the making process and materials speaks of the human condition and how landscape shapes our perception of the world around us.

4.30 – 4.45pm
Akiko Hirai, The Language of Objects
‘The language of objects’ explains how I realise my concept in 3d form with ceramics. Each object has a different narrative. This presentation describes how I create these stories, their influence around my ceramic pieces and the interaction with the viewers.
Visual language and written languages are two different means of expression. I attempt to bring them together in cohesive and cogent way. I will explain how I perceive the world around me and communicate through the objects.

4.45 – 5.00pm
Panel discussion + Q&A

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.