Drawing inspiration from art and craft histories and our own cultural backgrounds, Mao Projects presents an installation of ceramic works that examines cross cultural communication through abstract and narrative forms. Referencing classical ceramic forms, ornamental and pop cultural symbols, and an abstract painterly application of glaze, the works provide a pluralistic vision indicative of our individual and shared experiences. Our collaborative approach aims to find both the connections and points of friction between the variety of references from different cultures and periods. We utilize fragments from cartoons, abstract painting, still life painting and traditional ceramics that interest us for their ability to convey visual information and present potential narrative meaning through themes of time, greed, sharing and growth. The colourful glazes appear both alluring like a multicoloured lollipop and repulsive like a build up of chewed gum, combined with the graphic drawings of bugs, fruits and animals, allow the narrative to extend from one piece to the next in an open ended and nonlinear format. The blending together of these references, we feel, re-contextualizes the fragments we draw upon from the past, adding depth to the narratives while resisting a singular didactic interpretation.

design collection @ STACKT

‘宴 | Found in Translation’ is one of 5 projects at Stackt Market as part of the 2023 DesignTO Festival.

• Melancholy by Zeina Nahas
• Ontario Place – Narrating Past, Present, and Potential by Quan Thai & OP-ED
• Ostrea by Stoneface Co.
• The Precipice by Justin Hawley
• 宴 | Found in Translation by Mao Projects

On Friday, January 20, visit Stackt for the ‘design collection @ STACKT Launch Party’. Browse the site on a self-guided tour and meet + greet the designers.

Tour and Meet + Greet: 6-7pm

Private party in the Studio with drinks + a DJ: 7-9pm