Cheryl Pagurek’s latest work projects modern news images into delicate, old fashioned teacups and saucers. The cups become a window onto the world, merging past and present, private and public, order and chaos.
In Shatter, Pagurek explores the tenuous state of current world affairs . . . these works evoke our own human fragility, the shattering of fragile notions of peace and social democracy, and the vulnerability of the earth itself to natural disaster – exhibition notes, Patrick Mikhail Gallery, Montreal
Artist page, Mikhail gallery, here.
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Wonderful way to raise awareness.
Yes, so creative, and the juxtaposition of old china and contemporary media is so eye-catching.
These are fabulous. So detailed!
Exactly right, the detail is what lifts this concept to fine art. Totally captivating.
[…] Quick Hits: Teacup Commentary — Canadian Art Junkie […]
“Not my cup of tea”…?! Love it….yes, very smart idea!
The traditional Japanese dishes with small images of specific sc eneries at the bottom of cups & bowls is using the same mode of communication. The scenerios namely refer to in Japan well-known old metaphers and stories…Thus, tea cups and rice bowls were used as tool to send (sometimes secret) messages – in particular during tea and other ceremonies and official get-togethers at the Emperors / shoguns court. During (tea) ceremonies, talking is not allowed.
How fascinating. Thank you for that historical context. Love it when info like that gets added. Much appreciated.
Thank you for sharing, Walter. In fact, I hat the Honor to participate in a traditional 5 hrs complex tea ceremony and wondered that there was no opportunity to talk to each other. After the ceremony I could ask the friendly tea master a few questions. He explained that he was talking to me by creating atmosphere and spirit…In my 300 yrs old tea cup I found a beautiful little bridge at a gate (the gate symbolizes learning and gathering experience) ….
I love tea cups, this is very clever.
And so topical. BTW for people who love teacups, there was a Washington Post article within the last 10 days or so that says vintage china (including teacups) is making a huge comeback. I haven’t seen signs of it but then I stopped thinking about vintage china when I gave away my grandmothers’ (yes, plural grandmothers) dozens of teacups about 10 years ago. Silly me.
I think we go through phases of drinking tea in beautiful “tea cups.” So, when we are doing Spring cleaning we evaluate whether we need to keep certain things. I have kept my tea cups, because they bring me JOY, as Marie Kondo (smiling) would say.
Like you though, I have given away “other things” that maybe I should have kept, but at the time did not bring me JOY, just took up space. LOL
I will look for the Washington Post article. Thanks!