Exhibition 'Fired in Revolution: Ceramics from the People’s Republic of China' in American Museum of Ceramic Art
Fired in Revolution: Ceramics from the People’s Republic of China presents ceramics created during the Cultural Revolution, 1966-1976.
The Cultural Revolution was a unique movement within China’s history— a period of social, cultural, and economic upheaval caused by radical government ideology. It not only affected politics, but also the daily lives of the Chinese people. During the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) closely controlled all forms of literature, art and media. The cultural realm was turned on its head, as artists were forced to change their imagery and styles or face serious consequences.
Given the strict control over artistic production and imagery during the Cultural Revolution, what happened when radical politics encountered traditional art forms? China has a long history of ceramic production that dates to ancient times. The kilns at Jingdezhen—China’s most famous site of porcelain production—had served as an imperial manufactory since the 11th century. However, this production drastically changed during the Cultural Revolution as artists created new styles and subject matter in response to the political environment.
This exhibition explores Cultural Revolution ceramic production, specifically works made at Jingdezhen. It presents the major styles and imagery of the movement while highlighting how artists managed to maintain artistic agency and preserve traditional methods of production in the face of government censorship.
Varied ceramic works, including molded figures, vessels, wall hangings, posters, molds, and sculptures, will be presented in thematic groupings in Fired in Revolution.
Curated by Dr. Jamie Kwan, Assistant Curator, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum.
Fired in Revolution will be on view in the Julianne & David Armstrong Gallery at AMOCA.
