Monumenti

The majolica from Vietri, the porcelain from Capodimonte and the papier-maché from Nola used by Liu in this installation are materials whose production is a deeply-rooted tradition in the Campania region. Just like the ceramics from Jingdezhen, those from Campania have been used to forge both humble objects for daily use as well as refined artistic handcraft. Papier-maché, in turns, has been used both in China and in Italy for parade floats in popular festivals, as well as for the modeling of statues of divinities, devotional objects and actual works of art.Monumenti creates a link between the Chinese and local traditions, emphasizing how different knowledge and techniques can travel and be spread by man. Comparing ourselves to other cultures does not necessarily imply focusing on the differences; rather, it helps with identifying the elements that constitute a shared patrimony. Liu’s usage of porcelain and papier-maché in the Naples exhibit alludes to his own culture, yet it also respects and evokes traditions that distinguish the spirit of the place. While, on one hand, Monumenti reveals the imbalances in the power relations within a society, it also underscores the importance of shared traditions in human relations.