The word "ceramics" is usually associated with cups and plates. But the idea of clay as a material for handicrafts and tableware has long been outdated: now the works created from it can compete with the most famous masterpieces of art. The works of Johnson Tsang, combining the features of realism and surrealism, open a new era of artistic porcelain. There is little known about Johnson himself. However, when it comes to sculpture, this Hong Kong ceramist needs no introduction. His amazing and eloquent works have been exhibited in the master's homeland since 1993, as well as in Korea, Taiwan, Spain, and Switzerland. Also, he is active not only in the real world but also on the Internet: Johnson runs a creative blog, in which he comments and explains his work.
Johnson Tsang is a prolific author who uses clay as his main material. The master has a rich imagination and works on several separate, self-sufficient series, completely different from each other. Each of his creations is an incredible filigree, meticulously worked out, delicate and almost jewelry work. Thanks to such refinement, all the works are as if they were alive as if they were still a moment away and the sculpture would come to life.The talented craftsman uses stainless steel and clay to bring his fantasy to life. The main plot of his art objects is the pouring liquid, the streams of which turn into emotional outlines of human faces and figures. An unimaginable integration of people and inanimate objects appears before the public.
One of them is the imitation of water. All works related to the "water" theme are scattered with pearls of splashes, giving birth to easily recognizable images. In the composition "Yuanyang", the streams of chocolate drink flowing from the colorful cups merge into a kiss a second before they touch the table. Everything from the curves of the jets and tiny droplets to the color of the work is thought through. Creation is a strange mix of coffee and tea with milk. It is worth noting that the mugs are also different - coffee and tea mugs. Probably, in this kiss, there is the latent intention of the author.
Thanks to the masterful combination of real images and abstraction, the sculptures have gained great popularity, especially the masterpieces of stainless steel. The author's fame has long gone beyond the borders of the homeland. Brilliant creations are regularly exhibited at prestigious exhibitions in Spain, Switzerland, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The author has received numerous awards, and his works are hunted by collectors
The theme of kissing is reflected in another original series of the author, showing the metamorphosis of ceramic products. The composition "Lifetime Partner" (Lifetime Partner), consisting of kissing saucer and cup, was created by Tsang for his beloved wife. In his comments, he says that the original idea was not to improve the design of the cups and saucers but to rethink their symbolism: "The cup and saucer are the best partners that can be. They are always together. This work was shown at an exhibition in Switzerland and since then I have received numerous letters from collectors and museums who would like to receive a "partner for life", but we would like to keep this work for ourselves". Cookware and water aren't the only topics that attract Johnson. The master creates funny babies with very expressive mimics. This series is very large, and often the characters of Tsang have the shape of cupids or are combined into whole compositions. They cry, laugh, shriek and try to attract attention in any way. One of these angels, however, is not like the others. Although all his brothers are direct children, this one, having the same miniature chubby body, became the owner of the face of Robin Williams. The work is dedicated to the memory of the beautiful actor and has the expressive title "I got a new job! (I've Got a New Job!). The sculpture with wings is laconic both in form and in color, the master made an accent only on the blue eyes of the character.
Another work-related to traditional notions of clay objects characterizes Tsang as a beautiful sculptor and a good master of painting. The title of the work can be translated as "Painful pot". The painted vase is forcefully squeezed by a Chinese dragon, deforming its walls. The work is decorated with ornaments and clouds, all the shadows and scales are emphasized by the subtle blue color. Johnson Tsang's works are very popular. The secret of such fame lies in the approach to the case: any of his work is excellent in technique and filled with meaning. With his works, the sculptor reminds us of the most important things or in a humorous way tells us about human imperfection, trying to open the eyes of the audience. The sculptures, fantastically executed by the author's golden hands, look amazing. And there is no difference what they are made of: clay, sand, metal, stone.