On August 6, the exhibition "Wood-Fired Works by Deng Rongshen" officially opened at the Guangdong Shiwan Ceramic Museum's special exhibition hall. The exhibition showcases around 70 wood-fired ceramic pieces (sets) created by Shiwan ceramic artist Deng Rongshen over the past decade, leading the audience on a journey through the development of contemporary Shiwan ceramics and wood-fired techniques. The exhibition will run until September 18.

The Everlasting Kiln Fire, "Unexpected Beauty" of Wood-Firing

The dragon kiln fire, which has been burning for centuries in Shiwan, represents a rich cultural legacy from ancestors over thousands of years. The craftsmanship of wood-firing seeks a harmonious unity of humans, fire, and earth, adding natural, warm, robust, and serene beauty to the ceramics product. From a handful of clay to a finished piece, wood-firing is an art deeply focused on the use of fire, and its charm lies in the process of creation.

Deng Rongshen has delved into wood-firing for many years. His works incorporate various sculptural concepts and styles, integrating his in-depth research on wood-firing into his creations. Under the influence of wood-firing, his works exude a sense of historical depth and a ritualistic sense of life.

This exhibition features approximately 70 wood-fired works by Deng, including sculptures and vessels, each a unique original, showcasing the mottled and aged artistic beauty of Shiwan wood-fired craftsmanship.

Vessels Carry the Way, Using Clay to Reflect the World

The exhibition is divided into three sections: "Seek Objects," "Focus," and "Seeking the Way."

Deng Rongshen has consistently used clay to journalize life. His series "When Deadwood Meets Clay" and "Ceramic and Steel as Family" blend deadwood, steel, and ceramics in a carefree and unrestrained manner. Their liberating structure yet shares orderly principles, presenting aesthetic value in their forms.

The work "Angry Pufferfish" features blue and white porcelain fragments embedded in the body of a pufferfish, with protruding spikes symbolizing the fish's anger. Through this piece, Deng aims to raise awareness of environmental protection and convey the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

The sculpture "Light of the Heart" is deeply meaningful, depicting a figure with blindfolded eyes, "ignoring" the mundane, without clothes or hair, symbolizing the stripping away of external distractions to return to inner purity. The work conveys the idea that despite external chaos, an inner light can illuminate the path forward, maintaining passion and hope for life.

The sculpture "Light of the Heart"

Pottery serves as a bridge to connect the observer and the ceramic artist. This summer, let's step into Deng Rongshen's wood-fired world and experience how this native of Shiwan transforms his passion into a relentless pursuit. Discover the artistic possibilities unearthed through his exploration and study of wood-firing, continually enriching his artistic life.

Wood-Fired Works by Deng Rongshen

Location: Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum

Operation: 9:00-17:00 until September 18 (Except Monday and public holidays)

Admission: Free

Reporter | Eddie

Revisor | Zoey, Eleanor

Photo | Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum

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