Hsiangfu Chen

When she’s working with metal, Hsiangfu Chen’s favourite tool is the Vernier calliper, with an accuracy of 0,02 mm. But trying to get to know ceramics, it was of little use. Minute measurements of shrinkage at various temperatures only got in the way. Touch was more important. Feel the clay, is it dry and ready to be fired? Learning to move intuitively, Chen made a range of ‘fishes’ moulded on a gua sha massage tool, in gradients of different glazes, inscribed with a poem that captures the ideas around her. “She says the volcano is a vast kiln.” Systematic progression becomes fluid, intangible — and then it becomes tangible again, in an installation of porcelain tubes fitted with LEDs. A conductive glaze allows you to turn on the lights and adjust their brightness by touching a line. “Those who walk only toward the light never notice the shadows they leave behind….”