In the dynamic landscape of London’s art scene, an artist is quietly making waves in the art world. Meet Jialong Miao, a Chinese-born artist, embarks on a captivating exploration of time and archaeology. His works, characterized by a distinctive blend of nostalgia and curiosity, transcend traditional boundaries, inviting viewers into a realm where past, present, and future converge.
Miao’s artistic narrative is his innovative take on future archaeology. He skillfully envisions our contemporary objects as potential artifacts of the future, weaving a conceptual framework that challenges our understanding of temporality. This imaginative approach serves as the linchpin of his creative endeavors, a thread that intricately connects each piece within his body of work.
In his Antiquities series, Miao creates ceramic sculptures of everyday objects like cameras, laptops, and DJ deck—iconic items representing the 21st century. These objects, laden with cultural and technological significance, become the canvas through which Miao paints a portrait of an era marked by rapid technological obsolescence and the digital dematerialization of our surroundings.
As spectators engage with the Antiquities series, they find themselves not only witnessing an exploration of technological evolution but also embarking on a journey through temporal dimensions. The collision of the familiar and the ancient prompts a profound reflection on the nature of human existence and the relentless march of time.
The “3099”, in particular, serves as a poignant commentary on our transient nature of our existence. Drawing inspiration from both romanticism and pop art, Miao orchestrates a visual symphony that resonates with viewers, inviting them to contemplate the fluidity of time. Miao’s ceramic sculptures act as artifacts themselves, frozen in time yet perpetually relevant in their exploration of the human experience.
Photo Credited to: Jialong Miao, “3099”, CERAMIC, STEEL 2 x 1 x 2m, 2021
Influence of Ancient Chinese Ceramic on Miao’s Artistic Journey
Ceramics are an important archaeological source of information, teaching us indirectly more about the people in the past who made, used and discarded it. Growing up in China, Miao was profoundly influenced by the rich heritage of Chinese ceramic culture. The ancient traditions and philosophies embedded in Chinese pottery and artifacts became a significant source of inspiration for his artistic endeavors. This cultural backdrop instilled in him a deep appreciation for the historical and symbolic significance of ceramics, shaping the foundation of his unique approach to the art form.
Through the profound analysis of ceramic materiality, Miao infuses this ancient art form into a contemporary context. Ceramics, in his hands, become more than just a material; they serve as a medium for expressing complex concepts and rich cultural connotations. This depth of aesthetics and material exploration collectively shapes the unique allure of Miao’s works, establishing him as a standout figure in contemporary ceramic art.
Photo Credited to: Jialong Miao, Antiquities Series, 2023, Ceramic, 32 x 30 x 4cm
A Journey Through Temporal Dimensions
In Miao’s hands, The ceramic sculptures, frozen in time, serve as both artifacts and contemporary commentary, inviting a nuanced contemplation of our ever-changing relationship with technology. Through this artist’s lens, we are not merely observers but active participants in a dialogue that transcends the confines of conventional artistic expression. Miao’s creations, an eloquent testament to the interplay of time and objecthood, firmly establish him as a pioneering force in contemporary ceramic art.
