For millions of years, clay has been closely associated with humanity, carrying the memory of history since the birth of civilization. It not only shapes everyday objects, but also serves as a key for humans to explore the beauty of nature and spirituality. How can clay and fire, objects and humans, collaborate to create simple miracles? From 28 July to 25 August, 2023, "Shanghai Sotheby's Space" proudly presents the selling exhibition "Clay Nirvana" by Chinese pottery artist Gao Zhenyu. The exhibition includes nearly 70 pottery works created by the artist from 1997 to the present, including his representative "Clay Nirvana" series. Through the texture on the surface of various vessels such as bottles, goblets, plates, and bowls, the artist explores the vitality of clay itself and releases the most authentic beauty of its nature. In the artist's creative context, which blends ancient and modern, as well as Chinese and Western influences, this form of creation, originating from ancient times, is endowed with new philosophical ideas. The natural vitality nurtured by clay and fire continues to extend to broader time and space.

The Essence of Clay Nirvana
Discussions among potters always revolve around the clay.

Clay is the primary medium of expression in pottery. There is nothing wrong with thinking about it that way, but as someone who comes from a long line of potters and currently makes a living in the medium, I feel that clay is not just a material that we shape into vessels; it is a living thing that deserves our respect.

Exhibition Details

28 July - 25 August 2023
11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Shanghai Sotheby's Space
17/F, No. 69 Hengtong Road East,
Jing’an, Shanghai