Group Show: Biodiversity, Austria
The Group Exhibition
BIODIVERSITY
21 June - 6 July 2024
at Galerie Im Schalterhaus,
Mils, Austria
Opening night. Fri 21 June 2024 (6pm)
The association IKUNST (International Symposium of Art and Nature Tirol) is organizing the symposium “BIODIVERSITY”, a project in which artist from six different countries take part.
Participating Artists
Saravut Vongnate (Thailand)
Boris Roce (Kroatien)
Nani Puspasari (Indonesien)
Kostas Karakitos (Griechenland)
Tamman Hammoud – Tommy (Syrien)
Theresa Bodner (österreich)
Elisabeth Ehart-davies (österreich)
Yara Lettenbichler (österreich)
Elisabeth Melkonyan (österreich)
Eugen Walser (österreich)
The terms "biodiversity" and "rakubrand" seem at first glance to have little to do with each other, as biodiversity (biological diversity) refers to the diversity of life in a particular habitat or across the earth, while rakubrand is a traditional Japanese ceramic technique is. However, there are ways to link these two concepts, particularly in the context of sustainable practice and environmentally conscious crafts.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity includes the diversity of all living organisms at various levels, including genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. It is crucial for the stability and functioning of ecosystems and provides numerous services on which humans depend, such as clean water, fertile soils and plant pollination.
Rakubrand
Raku firing is a traditional Japanese method of ceramic making that was developed in the 16th century. This technique is known for its rapid firing cycles and the unique effects created by contact with organic materials and reduction in oxygen-deficient environments. Raku ceramics are characterized by their unpredictability and the unique glazes created by this special firing technique.
Linking biodiversity and Rakubrand
1. Sustainable choice of materials and processing
The combination of biodiversity and Rakubrand can be achieved by choosing sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. For example, clay and glazes can come from locally sourced and environmentally friendly resources that do not impact local biodiversity. This promotes the conservation of natural resources and supports the local environment.
2. Natural sources of inspiration
Artists can use the patterns and colors of the biodiversity in their surroundings as inspiration for their raku ceramics. The diverse shapes and colors of nature can flow into the design of the ceramics and thus strengthen the connection to the natural environment and promote awareness of its protection.
3. Environmentally conscious manufacturing process
The Rakubrand process can be made more environmentally friendly by using renewable energy or energy-efficient techniques. This reduces the ecological footprint of the manufacturing process and helps protect biodiversity by using fewer resources and releasing fewer pollutants.
4. Education and awareness
Through artwork that addresses the beauty and importance of biodiversity, artists can raise awareness about protecting biodiversity. Raku ceramics can serve as a medium to spread environmental messages and make people aware of the importance of biodiversity.
Summary
While at first glance biodiversity and Rakubrand concern different areas, they can be meaningfully linked through sustainable practices, environmentally friendly material choices, artistic inspiration from nature and the promotion of environmental awareness. Artists who are aware of these concepts can contribute to protecting the environment and biodiversity by incorporating sustainable methods into their ceramic art and reflecting the beauty of the natural world in their works.
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