by Carole Epp | Apr 7, 2011 | Uncategorized
The following is via Designboom
our friends at hong kong-based architectural firm map office are sending out a call to bring attention to the disappearance of contemporary chinese artist ai weiwei. last sunday, april 3rd, 2011, ai weiwei and his friend wan tao were stopped and detained by police authorities, from boarding a flight from beijing airport. they were then escorted away
since then, there has been no word as to their whereabouts until now. a statement was released this afternoon from a state-run global times newspaper breaking china’s media silence on the situation, stating that ai weiwei has no respect for the laws of his country, and that he is on the verge of pushing the limits of legal tolerance. for this, ai weiwei’s behaviour will be evaluated and he will pay a price for his actions.
the artist is best known for his political activism revolving around the earthquake that hit china’s sichuan province in 2008. since then he has faced physical abuse from authorities, his new studio was recently demolished and his name and work has been censored throughout china among other events and incidents.
you may read more about the detainment of ai weiwei by jerome cohen here.
ai weiwei’s work ‘sunflower seeds‘ is currently on show at the tate modern in london.
in may his ‘cirlce of animals / zodiac heads‘ world tour will begin in the grand army play near central park in new york.
*** Update thanks to Lori Buff:
A petition has been started to ask congress to request Weiwei’s release. To see and sign the petion, click here: http://www.change.org/petitions/free-chinese-artistactivist-ai-weiwei?share_id=irQHuRxLko&pe=pce
It’ll just take a minute!
Once you’re done, please ask your friends to sign the petition as well. Grassroots movements succeed because people like you are willing to spread the word!
by Carole Epp | Apr 5, 2011 | Uncategorized
Ai Weiwei: the artist as political hero
Ai Weiwei, detained by the Chinese authorities and unreachable since 3 April, (guardian article) has joined a select band of artists who have risked everything for their ideals.Please read more details here on Jonathon Jones on art blog.
Please spread the word and use available networks to try to make action happen to ensure his safety.
by Carole Epp | Jul 24, 2010 | Uncategorized
West Virginia University has a unique linkage with the famed Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute. They have teamed to offer a study and travel program in the Peoples Republic of China where students will have the opportunity to study with some of China’s most prominent teachers and ceramic artists. China’s roots in ceramic art history are strong and deep. For thousands of years, Chinese artisans have developed and mastered techniques and artistry that has set the standard of excellence in ceramics throughout the world. High fired porcelains, underglaze and overglaze techniques, celadons, copper reds, temmoku, yaoware carving, ash glazes and tri-colored lead glazes are just a few of the contributions made by Chinese artisans over the centuries.
WVU- JCI China Studio Website
WVU Office of International ProgramsFor more info visit their website here.
by Carole Epp | Jan 22, 2010 | Uncategorized
Through a unique linkage, the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, and West
Virginia University have teamed to offer a comprehensive study opportunity
for the serious advanced or professional ceramic artist/potter. The
Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute is considered to be China’s finest ceramics art
and design school. In fact West Virginia University is the only western
university with a campus in China. We have teamed to offer a study and
travel program in the Peoples Republic of China where students will have the
opportunity to study with some of China’s most prominent teachers and
ceramic artists.
China’s roots in ceramic art history are strong and deep. For thousands of
years, Chinese artisans have developed and mastered techniques and artistry
that has set the standard of excellence in ceramics throughout the world.
We have 4 exciting programs in place for 2010. In addition to the world
famous artist from China you will be in contact with we have dynamic
visiting artists from the U.S. that will be working side by side in the
studio this summer and fall. Our 2010 Visiting Artist include; Paul
Dresang, Steve Hilton, Dan Murphy, Jason Walker, and Dan Murphy.
Summer Semester I – 2010
May 24 – June 30
(Dates may vary slightly)
6 Credits
Cost: 6-Credits/Tuition and fees: $5800
(this cost includes additional fees required by West Virginia University)
This fee covers International airfare, in-country travel, all lodging, food
(an exception being during the Beijing travel portion of the program),
materials, and 6 graduate or undergraduate transferable credits from West
Virginia University.
Summer Semester II – 2010 (For K-12 Educators and University/College
Students on Quarter System)
June 15- July 15
6 Credits (3 Credits Ceramic Studio & 3 Credits Art History)
Cost: 6-Credits/Tuition and fees: $4800
(this cost includes additional fees required by West Virginia University)
This fee covers International airfare, in-country travel, all lodging, food
(an exception being during the Shanghai travel portion of the program),
materials, and 6 graduate or undergraduate transferable credits from West
Virginia University.
Fall Semester 2010
September 7 – December 14
(Dates may vary slightly)
12 Credit Hours: Graduate or Undergraduate
Cost: 12 Credits/Tuition and fees $9,900 (Scholarships Available!!!)
6-Credits Studio Ceramics
3-Credits Chinese Ceramic Art History
3-Credits Basic Language and Culture
Participants will be expected to pay for tools not supplied by the program,
brushes, personal acquisitions, and local travel outside of the program.
Students may also be expected to purchase their own meal accommodations
during the Beijing visit. This fee covers the entire cost of International
airfare, in-country travel, all program fees, insurance, living
accommodations and 12 transferable credits from West Virginia University.
2010 Spring Semester Ceramics Residency Program in China
April-May* (select your own dates!)
Costs: Vary by length of stay, airfare not included
Fee include: Room, board, studio, scheduled field trips and most materials.
If you or anyone you may be interested in any of the 4 programs, more
information and applications are available at:
http://art.ccarts.wvu.edu/international_programs/china_program
If you have any questions feel free to contact us. Hope to see all of you
in Jingdezhen, China!
Robert Anderson
Professor of Art
Director, WVU-JCI International Ceramic Studios
West Virginia University
College of Creative Arts
Division of Art + Design
Creative Arts Center
PO Box 6111
Morgantown, WV 26506
email: [email protected]
tel: 304-692-0777
Shoji Satake
Assistant Professor of Art
West Virginia University
Robert “Boomer” Moore
Assistant Professor of Art
West Virginia University
Jennifer Allen
Lecturer
West Virginia University
