Los Angeles – Over the Influence is pleased to present FIRE IT UP, a group exhibition of Los Angeles based ceramicists Taylor Lee, Jasmine Little, Adam D. Miller, Sachi Moskowitz, and Jeffery Sun Young Park.
Whether through pop, folk, or historical reference, often through a monomythic lens, these five artists explore themes of identity and character, both personal and cultural, embracing the shared histories and language of the ceramic medium.
ARTISTS
b. 1981, Seoul
Taylor Lee’s ceramic creations draw from a deep well of historical figures and moments. Exemplifying a sense of reverence for the past, her art becomes a conduit for exploring the stories that came before us, reimagining them in a contemporary context. Breathing new life into traditional forms and motifs, Lee interweaves elements of the whimsy and wonder of youthful experiences, infusing her pieces with pop culture elements that add a playful twist. The result is a dynamic fusion of old and new, where historical figures and childhood nostalgia meet the vibrant, ever-evolving world of popular culture.
Jasmine Little
b. 1989, California
Jasmine Little’s artistic practice is deeply enriched by a vast array of historical influences including Flemish painting, medieval manuscripts, Safavid period carpets, & Greek black-figure and red-figure pottery. Through her use of sgraffito, Little’s visual tapestries feature delicate forms reminiscent of mythical creatures, goddesses, and heroines, celebrating the strength and beauty of femininity. Her characters conjure verbal histories remembered and passed down, or even communication pre-language, as they act out archetypal journeys; fighting, playing, loving, and telling their own stories.
Sachi Moskowitz
b. 1989, California
Sachi Moskowitz makes the personal experience relatable in her painted ceramics, which explore themes of rebirth, cleansing, and transcendence when faced with trauma and grief. By drawing inspiration from her own experiences and observations of the world, simultaneously encompassing folk vernacular, art-historical references, and contemporary sources, Moskowitz documents the nuances of reality with profound intimacy. Her artworks become windows into the complexities of the human condition, inviting viewers to contemplate the uncertainties and subtle beauties that define our existence.
Adam D. Miller
b. 1982, Washington
Adam D. Miller’s artistic journey during the COVID pandemic was punctuated by revelations that infused his creations with profound meaning. Family and fatherhood emerged as central themes, intricately woven into the fabric of his compositions. One captivating figure that recurs in Miller’s oeuvre is Ultraman, a beloved character from the Keiju Sci Fi series. His vessels are whimsically adorned with images of the Japanese superhero and his “Ultrafamily” and “Ultrasons” as they explore their imagined world. Indulging in playful joy and childlike imagination, it is through the Ultraman series that Miller establishes a common interest with his sons, facilitating a profound connection, irrespective of his non-Ultraman status.
Jeffery Sun Young Park
b. 1987, California
Jeffery Sun Young Park’s works embody the intersection of *Corean Dokkaebi folklore, cultural identity, and the heartfelt aspiration for a unified Corean peninsula. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Corean Dokkaebi folklore, Park infuses his ceramic pieces with the whimsical charm and mythical allure of these mischievous creatures. In his hands, clay transforms into captivating sculptures that honor the tales passed down through generations, paying homage to folklore’s role in shaping Corean cultural identity. Through his art, he navigates the complexities of his own journey, embracing his heritage while confronting the challenges and triumphs of his LGBTQ+ identity.
*The spelling of Corea with a C is the original spelling before colonization. As a Corean person, this spelling represents Park’s hope for a unified Corea.
