The upcoming exhibition titled “What the Hands Remember to Hear” at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum will feature the works of artists Chenlu Hou and Chiara No, who use ceramics as a medium to explore spirituality and storytelling. Both artists create sculptures that reflect sacred symbols and traditions, blending folklore, mythology, and cultural heritage in their work.
Hou’s sculptures draw inspiration from her Chinese heritage, incorporating themes of diaspora and cultural hybridity. One of her pieces, “Tian Gou Shi Ri – The truth about solar eclipse and how to observe it using pinhole imaging principle,” depicts a giant female dog biting the sun, referencing the Chinese legend of the heavenly dog that eats the sun during an eclipse. On the other hand, No’s sculptures focus on mythological beings from various historical periods and media, such as medieval folklore and Elizabethan grimoires. Her sculptures take the form of bells, each producing a unique tone when activated.
The colorful and slightly cartoonish sculptures created by both artists resonate with themes of transformation and cultural inheritance through reimagined storytelling. The exhibition invites viewers to explore the ever-evolving narratives that mirror our collective present. The artists’ shared attention to material and mythology creates a space where traditional beliefs and contemporary interpretations converge.
“What the Hands Remember to Hear” will be on display from January 26 through May 25 in Ridgefield, Connecticut. The exhibition promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality, mythology, and cultural traditions through the lens of ceramic art. Visitors can expect to encounter a vibrant and engaging showcase of sculptures that evoke a sense of reverence and ceremony, inviting contemplation and reflection on the interconnectedness of past and present narratives.
