Chinese artist redefines porcelain art to go global
Master of the craft Lai Dequan bridges Eastern tradition with Western aesthetics
In 2012, Jingdezhen transformed a former state-owned porcelain factory into Taoxichuan park, a ceramic-themed business, tourism and cultural district. In recent years, it has attracted more than 1,000 international artists for residencies and exchanges, hosting hundreds of international art exhibitions.
At the same time, Jingdezhen has established friendly city relationships using ceramics as a medium and set up cooperative ties with 21 ceramic-producing cities in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Jingdezhen has also hosted international cultural exchange activities, with more than 100 foreign diplomats and experts from more than 100 countries visiting the city.
However, Lai believes that current international exchanges are still insufficient and calls on the government to do more. "Exchange is not an individual issue. International exchange requires channels," said Lai.