Finissage: The Earth We Carry – Lecture by Karin van Paassen

To mark the closing of the ceramic jewelry exhibition The Earth We Carry, SALON188 is hosting a special afternoon on Saturday, September 12th, centered on Jingdezhen—China’s famous "Porcelain Capital."

Karin van Paassen, an artist and China enthusiast, will give a richly illustrated lecture on this remarkable city, home to a refined tradition of porcelain production spanning more than a thousand years. Jingdezhen gained worldwide renown for its exquisite blue-and-white porcelain, which for centuries found its way into imperial palaces and royal courts across the globe.

Yet Jingdezhen is far more than a city with a rich history. Today, it is a vibrant hub where traditional craftsmanship, contemporary art, and design converge. In its many studios and workshops, local artisans collaborate with artists and ceramicists from China and around the world. Former factory sites have been transformed into galleries, museums, and creative workspaces, while centuries-old techniques are finding new forms and applications.

Recognized by UNESCO as a "Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art," Jingdezhen remains a vital source of knowledge, inspiration, and exchange for ceramicists and artists worldwide.

Using primarily her own photographs, Karin will share her experiences in Jingdezhen, taking the audience on a journey through the city to explore its studios, makers, materials, and evolving cultural landscape.

The lecture ties in closely with the themes of The Earth We Carry, an exhibition in which Chinese and Dutch artists explore the relationship between earth, material, the creative process, and the body. The history and contemporary practice of Jingdezhen offer a fascinating perspective on how earth and raw materials are transformed by the maker’s hand into art and objects that ultimately become part of our daily lives.

The afternoon begins with an introduction to the exhibition by curator Mafalda Nunes, followed by a lecture by Karin van Paassen and a conversation with the audience. The event concludes with cold-brew tea and an opportunity to view the exhibition.