Self-Medication. Korean Ceramic Art

Latvia Ceramics Biennale, a significant event in Baltic contemporary ceramics, is co-organized by the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Ceramics and the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre. Attracting global artists, it aims to foster and advance contemporary ceramics in Latvia and the Baltics. The centerpiece – the Martinsons Award – an international exhibition at the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre, celebrates the vitality of ceramic art and pays tribute to Pēteris Martinsons, the originator and driving force of contemporary ceramics in Latvia.

Why Water

Water is often a connecting symbol of the source of life, in numerous myths worldwide. It is a metaphor for flight of thought, it is what we look for when searching for life on different planets and it is what has nourished life on earth since prehistoric times. Water is also an important substance in ceramics, an intermediary between the artist and the clay. We can say that the human is the creator, but there are elements in nature that can be unpredictable, and water is one of them. Hence, the theme of Troubled Waters. 

When talking about Self-Medication, the curator, Leeji Choi, emphasizes the changing tides of ceramics in the art world and the wide range of creative possibilities that clay, as a medium, can provide. The field of contemporary Korean ceramics has changed vastly, driven by a longing to reconnect with tradition after the Korean War (1950-1953), while embracing new techniques, modern elements and seeking direction in moving forward. This effort has been crowned with success, resulting in 55 timeless pieces that reflect progress while nourishing the past, present and future.

“To a ceramicist, raw clay is the most important, indispensable element, it is the first material they begin to explore, and the thing that they form the deepest relationship with.” One medium – 55 mesmerizing drops in the vast sea of ceramics. Let’s explore Self-Medication by examining its manifestation in three distinct aspects: a focus on tradition, the creative process, and social commentary.

Embracing tradition — focus on the former times and Korean identity

In Cozy Time. Buncheong Pillows, Kim Jungok is demonstrating exquisite craftsmanship by highlighting the contrast of soft, cylindrical pillows and the sturdy, glazed clay. This interplay invites us to tap into our sensory associations, “to touch with our eyes and to see with our hands.”

This creation not only honors the buncheong technique that originated in 15th-century Korea but also taps into more contemporary trends, like the repetition of objects to create mass and the use of clay to replicate everyday objects, which suggests the contemporary relevance of the material. 

Starting conversations – reflection on community and cultural phenomena

Yoo Euijeong. Ego II; Neo-Prayer; Life. 2010-2015

The stars of the exhibition and prime examples of the traditional and contemporary fusion are these pieces by Yoo Euijeong. Mixing different materials and techniques has resulted in iconic artworks that embody Korean tradition, with a contemporary twist, featuring well-known elements like Hello Kitty, Mickey Mouse and Batman. The words “Happy, Healthy, Love” at the base of Ego II also remind of the concept of affirmations, which have gained popularity in recent years, especially in TikTok culture.

The curator of Self-Medication commented she hopes the exhibition “enables us to review our perspectives and experiences”, which manifests throughout. The artworks go beyond mere observation, and invite you to imagine the sensory experience of engaging with the different textures of the artworks. There are also no descriptions, which leaves a lot of space for wondering and discussion  – a great idea for your next date or just your monthly dose of culture.