Taiwan Today
Date: November 24, 2015
The Masterpieces—Contemporary Crafts Collection exhibition kicked off Nov. 21
at the Taipei branch of the National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute, celebrating the opening of the new division and highlighting the vibrancy of Taiwan’s crafts sector.
Separated into two sections, the five-month event features a collection of artworks comprising ceramics, metal sculptures and woodcarvings by nearly 50 prestigious artists, as well as a display of 30 creative pieces inspired by traditional folk objects.
“The event pays tribute to the tireless efforts of these artists over many years, and their contributions to helping shape the national artistic landscape,” an NTCRI official said. “In addition, the department store-like layout of the exhibition space is certain to generate interest and attract more visitors.”
Highlighted artists include ceramist Su Shih-hsiung, winner of the 2010 National Crafts Achievement Award. Su specializes in carved glaze works, which are initially shaped by wheel-throwing before being fired in a kiln at 800 degrees Celsius. After applying layers of color to the pieces, the artist carves, cuts and burnishes his works before once again firing them, creating varied patterns and rich hues with an embossed effect.