A THOUGHT-provoking exhibition of sculptures and ceramics is going on display at the south Warwickshire art gallery which proved a major inspiration.
Commodities: Sculpture and Ceramics is coming to Compton Verney this autumn and will feature over 30 works by artist Renee So from ceramics, vessels and sculptures to wall-mounted murals, bronze and stained glass works, textiles and paintings.
Born in Hong Kong and now working out of London, Commodities sees So focusing an entire exhibition solely on China, with 14 works inspired by the world-renowned collection of Chinese bronzes at Compton Verney.
Her work incorporates many cross-cultural details, commonly centred around representations of the female figure in prehistoric cultures, and has been displayed around the world, including Australia where she spent her childhood.
Now, visitors to Compton Verney will be able to engage with her work through her exploration of Western Orientalism, the role of women in Chinese society, and the origins of the silk industry.
Many orientalist stereotypes about China have their roots in the western desire for Chinese commodities such as tea, opium, porcelain and silk. Considering the relationship between China and the West, a display of oversized ceramic perfume bottles imitates some of the most famous names in the fragrance world, which appropriate and commercialise Chinese culture for personal gain.
And following a visit to Compton Verney’s collection, So has also created her own bronze magic mirror with the assistance of Yamamoto Akihisa, one of the last master craftsmen trained in this art form. With their origins in the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), these mirrors when illuminated project a ghostly image of whatever is engraved upon the back, becoming seemingly transparent.
Renee So said: “I cannot think of a better setting and context for this exhibition than Compton Verney, their Chinese collection has inspired me in unexpected ways, such as discovering “magic” mirrors, as well as opening up new themes and paths of discovery, such as the silkworm. Working on this show has been a deeply rewarding experience.”
Commodities: Sculpture and Ceramics runs from September 20 until March 8.
