Briefs Transformed into Ceramic Bowls: A Pottery Exhibition Showcases the Beauty of Orchid Island

Text by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

Recently, Orchid Island was hit by a typhoon, leaving many of the scenic spots that tourists remember in need of extensive restoration and repair to regain their former beauty. However, ceramic artist Huang Guowei spent a full month on Orchid Island in February this year, drawing inspiration from an in-depth experience of the island’s culture and daily life to create a series of works. Through his ceramic pieces, he introduces Orchid Island to the public. From now until October 14, the “Seeing Purity. Blue – Orchid Island Residency Creation Exhibition” is being held at the Yingge Ceramics Museum. The exhibition includes works such as a ceramic bowl inspired bycreativityin the form of briefs, along with private photos of Orchid Island’s hidden gems, showcasing the island’s unique and secluded beauty.

This exhibition is being displayed at the small stage of the Life is Beautiful Cultural Goods Concept Store at the Yingge Ceramics Museum. Among the pieces, the “Fertility Bowl,” designed with the imagery of briefs, features a front side decorated with blue underglaze patterns resembling woven belt textures, while the back is humorously shaped like a buttock — sure to bring a smile. The “Outrigger Canoe” retains traditional decorative features, with its smaller-scale model being particularly charming. The delicate and intricate paintings come in three sizes and shapes, allowing for versatile use. The “Silver Helmet Warrior” turns the traditional clothing and silver helmets of the Tao people into figurines, where the helmet serves as a cup and the body as a cup stand. There are also items such as earphone dust plugs designed with Orchid Island’s “Three Treasures” — owls, goats, and flying fish — keychains shaped like dried flying fish, and postcards featuring Orchid Island’s scenic views. Coupled with a collection of private photos of Orchid Island’s hidden spots, these works display the beauty of Orchid Island witnessed during the residency period.

Huang Guowei has visited Orchid Island for six consecutive years. Last year, he also participated in the centennial Orchid Island boat-launching ceremony, personally taking part in wearing briefs and launching the boat. This year, due to a long-unused electric kiln at a local guesthouse, Huang was invited to reside on the island for a month. During his stay, he combined the beautiful scenery he encountered with local culture to conduct in-depth research and create art rooted in the locality. By leveraging local resources — from soil extraction and production to firing and personnel — all aspects were carried out by local Orchid Islanders, resulting in 100% “Made in Orchid Island” artworks.

 

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