The Way of Water

'The Way of Water' presents the inaugural solo exhibition by the artisan from Chen Yanglong Kiln based in China, co-curated by Haiying Huang and Duoduo Huang, co-founders of Granary Art. This exhibition not only
showcases the inheritance and innovation of several generations of intangible heritage craftsmen from the Chen family in Liling, since the creation of Liling Underglaze Multicolored Porcelain at the end of the Qing Dynasty to the present day, but also initiates a dialogue between Eastern and Western ceramic cultures centred around Liling Underglaze Polychrome Porcelain. 

Similar to the 'Five Colours of Ink' in traditional Chinese painting, there is a saying in ceramic painting craftsmanship - 'Five Colours of Material'. Both are inseparable from the transformational power of
water. Chen Yanglong Kiln originated the 'Light Painting and Shallow Infiltrating' technique in underglaze polychrome painting, seemingly pursuing an effect of thinness and lightness, yet it contains the infinite
tension of water. Water awakens it, and the flow of colours makes it translucent, transforming the dazzling beauty of traditional Liling underglaze coloured porcelain into implicit and gentle beauty, thus opening up a unique ceramic aesthetic with ingenuity. 

Through the cultural symbol evoked by the use of water, Chen Yanglong bridges the traditional with the contemporary. In traditional Chinese painting, expressive realism is achieved through depicting the essence
of subjects, commonly expressed as 'depicting form to convey essence'. Throughout his creative process, Chen seamlessly integrates compositional elements, object forms, and his inner imaginary world, reflecting a philosophical perspective of unity between nature and humanity. In decorative patterns, Chen specialises in underglaze realistic floral motifs. Through his mastery of realistic techniques and decorative composition, his works vividly portray nature with an elegant, serene, and noble demeanour, showcasing a unique style often described as Zen amidst flowers and plants. 

This exhibition features thirty pieces by Chen Yanglong, a national master of Liling underglaze multicolor porcelain, and his daughter, Chen Li, a national intangible cultural heritage inheritor, and his daughter-in-law,
Shen Bin, a provincial intangible cultural heritage inheritor. Additionally, there are eight precious design drafts by Master Chen Yanglong on display. These works are all exquisite examples of Liling underglaze
multicolor porcelain. Chen Li and Shen Bin have not only inherited Chen Yanglong's unique 'light painting and shallow infiltrating' technique but also focused on innovative multi-layered colouring. Their creations are delicate yet substantial, vibrant and ethereal, offering the audience a visual feast of Eastern aesthetics.

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