Exhibition Overview
Nestled in the heart of Foshan, Guangdong Province, the Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum is proud to present “Migration,” a stunning solo exhibition from the acclaimed artist Marc Leuthold.
This event, spearheaded by Executive Director Ruan Xiaojia and Deputy Directors Li Yanjuan, Huang Ting, and Rong Yao, holds special significance as it marks the museum’s inaugural solo exhibition featuring the work of an international artist.
Guests will have the opportunity to admire a striking collection of ""55 sculptures"" that encapsulate Leuthold’s artistic evolution and profound connection to ceramic art.
The showcase is diverse, ranging from the delicate 7 cm tall piece “Tangle” to the breathtaking centerpiece, “Migration”—a massive 10-meter wide multimedia installation that captivates attention with its vibrant blend of paintings and ceramics on the gallery’s main wall.
Visitors can also engage with a thought-provoking video that highlights Leuthold’s previous work, “Unsayable,” commissioned by the Yijin Museum in Shanghai in 2023.
Collaborative Artistic Journey
Adding depth to the exhibition, a beautifully designed ""78-page catalog"" features enlightening essays from distinguished contributors, including Dr. Baiming from Tsinghua University, artist and educator Mario Cutajar of Otis College of Art and Design, esteemed collector Robyn Horn, and Beijing art critic Wang Jun.
Their insights foster a richer understanding of Leuthold’s artistic intentions.
Leuthold expressed his enthusiasm about this exhibition, describing it as a rare chance to display a comprehensive body of his work in China.
Unlike his previous shows, which concentrated on singular conceptual pieces, this exhibition allows him to showcase the breadth of his artistic expression.
His circular carved sculptures, echoing historical forms, continue to explore humanity’s relationship with the universe—an enduring theme in his creations.
Thematic Reflections
The title “Migration” resonates with Leuthold’s own experiences as an artist often on the move.
His journey, which has taken him from New York to Europe and now China, has seen him deeply engaged with the vibrant landscape of Chinese ceramics.
His five-year experience in Shanghai particularly inspired him, as he was enchanted by the radiant qualities of Dehua porcelain, which he believes are unique to the region.
Leuthold creatively enhances his sculptures with intricately carved wooden bases, drawing inspiration from the 18th-century French tradition of displaying Chinese porcelain.
Yet, he subverts convention by crafting ceramics that tell their own stories.
Collaborating with local artists in designing these bases fosters genuine cultural exchange and adds depth to his artistic practice.
The concept of migration also poignantly mirrors the experiences of the pandemic, during which time Leuthold produced some of his most impactful works.
The spirit of collaboration he found among his Chinese peers opened new avenues of understanding, emphasizing the power of community.
Moments of isolation led to reflection and experimentation, evident in works like “Wrinkled,” “Ge,” “Figure,” and especially “S,” which embodies his innovative approach and the characteristics of Chinese clay.
In Leuthold’s abstractions, an interplay of masculine and feminine elements unfolds, suggesting a connection between creation and destruction.
He views himself as a conduit through which the universe expresses its dualities.
Marc Leuthold holds dual citizenship in the United States and Switzerland, dividing his time between China and New York as he seeks out cross-cultural collaborations.
His academic background includes a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina, and he stands out in the ceramics field as one of the few Westerners teaching ceramics full time at a Chinese university—the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts.
Over his successful career, he has garnered multiple accolades, including the second prize at the Blanc de Chine International Porcelain competition in 2017.
His work has been featured in prominent venues such as the Museum of Modern Art, PS1, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Recent exhibitions in Shanghai have further showcased his contributions to the realm of ceramics.
Leuthold’s work has appeared in various publications, notably "Baiming’s World Famous Ceramic Artists’ Studios" and the cover of Peter Lane’s "Contemporary Studio Porcelain".
His reputation in the field is robust, having earned election to both the International Academy of Ceramics and the Swiss Ceramics Association.
The “Migration” exhibition at the Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum invites attendees to not only experience art but also to partake in the rich cultural dialogues that emerge from artistic innovation.
It stands as a tribute to creativity transcending boundaries, reminding us of the shared journey that connects us all.
Source: Ceramicsnow.org