Marks on Earth 《以陶之名》 – An Exhibition of Ceramic Seals by Oh Chai Hoo
This month, 120 ceramic seal carvings by multifaceted Singaporean artist Oh Chai Hoo (b. 1960) is on display at iPreciation. This is Oh’s first complete collection in seal and it marks his 20 years of journey in exploring ceramic and seal carving. We are delighted to present Marks on Earth, an exhibition and book launch that unearths Oh’s decades of craft in calligraphy and seal carving. Visitors are also invited to attend a two-session ceramic seal carving workshop and an artist’s talk. Join us and dive into the marvellous creation of ceramic seals.
Private Preview:
Saturday, Nov 6, 2021 (By Invitation Only)
Exhibition Opens to Public:
Nov 8 – Nov 27, 2021
(Due to social distancing, prior viewing arrangement is recommended. Please call 6339 0678 or email us.)
The history of ceramic sculpture and seal carving goes far back, yet the combination of both art forms into an artistic expression has fallen under the radar in the local arts scene for too long. Lamenting the lack of attention in this art form, Oh takes a bold stance with his largest collection of ceramic seals and unveils the cultural significance of the earth beneath our feet.
The ceramic seal marries two traditional crafts — seal carving and ceramic making. It is no surprise the creation of just one clay seal has to go through an arduous yet exhilarating process. From de-airing, modelling, drying, glazing to firing and finally carving, this complex process invites a sum of possibilities. Glaze firing is one especially fascinating process which the artist has simply no control over, yet it brings in so much excitement with its unpredictable nature and no two clay out of the kiln can ever look the same. With each step requiring sheer dedication and subtle alchemy, Oh finds himself sharing a delicate and exclusive bond with his earthly material.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a set of 90 ceramic seals or as the artist termed, ‘micro-sculptures’ created by Oh between 2003 – 2021. Collectively, they are meant to be seen as a single work, rich in narratives and history. At a closer look, each seal was created at a certain point in time, and each is a representation of a significant part of Oh’s life as an artist, also as a human. They encapsulate a part of him, a part of his memories and perspectives.
Another highlight of the exhibition is 30 individual ceramic seal creations, each paired with a calligraphic work created in 2021. Oh who has long admired the writings of local writer and journalist, Chow Yianping, displaced excerpts of Chow’s articles into his calligraphy exploration. Having gone through Oh’s interpretation, the text is then matched with a ceramic seal he finds a connection with. In fact, the juxtaposition of two art forms — one to be read and viewed, the other to be touched and felt, is a wondrous and serendipitous encounter of emotions felt at different stages of life.
Book Launch (Online Live and Limited RSVP Seats):
Saturday, Nov 6, 2021, 3-4pm (By Registration Only)
Marks on Earth is accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue that documents Oh’s creation of his ceramic seals. This catalogue covers his experiments and discoveries that span over twenty years of exploration.
Artist’s Talk (Online Live and Limited RSVP Seats):
Saturday, Nov 20, 2021, 3-4pm
(Limited slots available, by registration only)
What makes ceramic seals so charming? How does one balance the versatility of clay and the preciseness of seal carving?
Come celebrate the artist’s first solo ceramic seal carving exhibition and join Oh as he elaborates on his inspirations, conceptualisation and artistic process!
The artist will be in dialogue (Mandarin) with Chow Yian Ping 周雁冰 (Currently the editor of ThinkChina, she also worked as a journalist, museum curator and TV producer).
Ceramic Seal Carving Workshop with Oh Chai Hoo:
Day 1: Introduction to clay making techniques and creation of 3-5 ceramic seals
Nov 13, 2021, Saturday, 2-6pm
Day 2: Introduction to glazing techniques, firing methods and seal carving and hands-on session
Nov 28, 2021, Sunday, 2-6pm
Location: Jalan Bahar Clay Studios
Fees: 180SGD
(Registration Closed. This workshop is organised by Oh Chai Hoo and supported by iPreciation. Full proceeds go to the artist.)
Two-day workshop, designed for beginners and art enthusiasts. Participants will learn the concepts and hands-on techniques of clay making and seal carving. Join us for a fulfilling session guided by the artist and bring home your unique creations by the end of the workshop!
The in-person book launch, artist talk and workshop will be conducted in line with the latest Ministry of Health (MOH) COVID-19 guidelines.
Please call 6339 0678 or email Brian at brian.foong@ipreciation.com for any enquiry.
Oh Chai Hoo (b. 1960) is a well-respected Singaporean artist who wears many hats — artist, calligrapher, ceramist, he works extensively with various medium and is well admired for his fearless experimentation and exploration with different materials. Apart from his extraordinary ink works that connect Western and Eastern traditions, Oh often showcases his free-spiritedness through Chinese calligraphy and quirky seal carvings. His ceramic works are equally visually stunning as the adventurer at heart often kneads his thoughts and inspirations into his slabs of clay.
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