RAM GALLERI
15 August – 14 September
Since 2019 tubular shapes reminiscent of ventilation tubes have has played a significant role in shaping Mingshu Li’s artistic practice. Inspired by the ubiquitous ventilation pipes adorning buildings and streets throughout Oslo, these structures, whether black or adorned with street art, stand as integral elements in the urban landscapes.
Mingshu Li’s creative process can be described as a process of shaping clay to wrap around empty space. This space had been routinely overlooked until she transformed the void space into a part of the sculpture. Two holes serve as connectors, sparking conversations between the inside and outside, leading gazes to the overlooked empty spaces. In this way, the tube holes expand the scope of the sculptures without relying on mass, transforming the air around the sculpture into an integral part of the work.
Embracing the expansive nature of ceramic materials, Mingshu Li ventures into diverse clay-shaping techniques. After encountering the clay extruder, a pivotal revelation emerged: the extruder is a tool seamlessly merging "holes" and "airflow" in one fluid motion —extrusion. As clay meets the extruder, its reaction reveals its inherent strength. Air bubbles burst within, etching airflow tales onto the tubular form. Li can shape the tube's curvature by adjusting clay plasticity and the extruder's angles. Yet, its specific form remains an enigma, a product of the intricate interplay between components, adding an element of unpredictability to Mingshu Li's artistic process.
Mingshu Li (b. 1994), is an emerging ceramic artist based in Oslo. She graduated MFA Masters in Medium and Material Based Art at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts in 2020. She has participated in exhibitions for the past five years both nationally and internationally. Her works are represented in the El Vendrell Municipal Art Collection in Spain, KODE Art Museums in Norway, and Jingdezhen Ceramic University Museum in China.
The exhibition is supported by Arts Council Norway and Visual artists' Remuneration Fund.