ICHEON: Reviving the Korean Ceramics Tradition

An Exhibition of International Importance

October 12–December 29, 2013

The American Museum of Ceramic Art is honored to present ICHEON: Reviving the Korean Ceramics Tradition, an unprecedented exhibition organized by Icheon, South Korea. Icheon has a history of ceramic culture that began over 5000 years ago and has a reputation for internationally renowned ceramics cultural events. Now Icheon has reached out to an American institution for the very first time. As the premiere exhibition of its kind in the United States, ICHEON presents over 200 objects never before seen on American soil that exemplify the revival of the ceramics tradition in Korea, from antique techniques to contemporary innovations.

The works on display represent the rich Korean ceramics culture and the modern advances that Icheon ceramists continue to make in developing ceramic art of the future. As a leader in traditional crafts, Icheon’s ceramics have become sought after works of art and are deeply-seated in Korea’s local economy. The city’s vital role in ceramics has made it possible for Icheon to become the best and largest center in Korea’s crafts today. Icheon is the home of over 350 studios and potteries that specialize in traditional, contemporary, and high-tech applications of the ceramic body. Although technological advances constantly redefine the ceramic industry, Korean ceramic artists strive to preserve the tradition of peace, simplicity, and spiritual temperance of Korean art. Thus, this exciting exhibition epitomizes the height of a rich tradition of Korean ceramics, cemented both in the past and the future.

Consistent with the strong preservation of cultural identity through Korean art, ICHEON: Reviving the Korean Ceramics Tradition places traditional pieces in the context of the expanse of Korean history and in the global context of functional and contemporary ceramic art.

AMOCA invites you to revel in this visual collaboration between two countries and two communities whose dedication to ceramics is unmatched. The ceramic community here at AMOCA is indebted to Icheon for this incredible opportunity, and we are honored to share it with you.

The relationship between Icheon and AMOCA and the execution of this project was brought about by Edward Ahn, Icheon’s Honorary Ambassador.

This exhibition was funded by Icheon City, South Korea. AMOCA gratefully acknowledges the following individuals who made this major undertaking possible:

• Cho Byung-Don, Mayor of Icheon City
• Gim Mi-Og, Ph.D., Coordinator for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
• Lim Song-Man, Public Relations Planning Team Manager
• Kim Sun-Woo, Icheon Fine Arts Association President
• Yoon Seok-ju, Interpreter and Self-Governing Administration Dept. Assistant Officer

We would like to express our gratitude to the following individuals for their expertise and guidance on this unprecedented project:

• Edward Ahn, The Law Offices of Edward C. Ahn & Icheon’s Honorary Ambassador
• Mark R. McKinniss, Esquire. The Law Offices of Mark R. McKinniss
• Young Shin Kim, Ceramics Instructor at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center
• Kristine Shin and Alice Nam, AMOCA Volunteers
• Laura Park, Designer, www.theleehawwedding.com
• Heeseon Choi, Curator/Librarian at the Korean Cultural Center, http://www.kccla.org/english/home.asp

Host Committee:
Cherie Chang, Christy Chu, Bo Kyung Chung, Grace Han, Sung Yi Kim,
Joyce Lee, Anne Park, Prof. Hyekyeung Seung, Meenah Won

A special thank you to the following individuals:

• Nam Kouen Kim, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Korean American Federation
• Moo Han Bae, President of the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles
• Sung Jin Lee, President of Orange Startup
• Jaewoo Song, Artist Photographer
• Sean Deitrick, Esquire
• Diana Choi
• Estella Park

Exhibition Programming

ICHEON: Reviving the Korean Ceramics Tradition
Public Opening
Saturday, October 12, 2013
6–9 PM

Access AMOCA
Teacher Night
Saturday, October 19, 2013
1–5 PM
This innovative program combines entertainment and education, showcasing visual art oriented curricula, activities, and programs on AMOCA’s exhibitions and collection. Contact the Education Manager at areyes@amoca.org to RSVP. Limited to 30 educators.

ICHEON: Reviving the Korean Ceramics Tradition
Gala Reception
Saturday, November 9, 2013
6–8:30 PM
Join us in welcoming Cho Byung-don, Mayor of Icheon City, and Icheon Dignitaries as we celebrate this major exhibition. Wear your best for an evening filled with fun, food, drinks, desserts, traditional Korean performances, Korean ceramic demonstrations, and international guests.

Icheon Ceramics Master Hand
Demonstration Workshop by Five Icheon Ceramics Masters
Free with Paid Admission
Saturday, November 9, 2013, 1–8 PM
Sunday, November 10, 2013, 1–4 PM

2^nd Saturday Lecture Series
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Guest Speakers: Edward Taehan Chang, Ph.D. & Kelly Y. Jeong, Ph.D.
Lecture: 7 PM