“Throughout my artistic practice, I have been captivated by the language of curved lacquer surfaces. The shape of the breast represents a pure and symbolic form of curvature, embodying embracing lines and an implied direction toward the origin of life. Sculpting this form in lacquer is not only an homage to feminine beauty but also a means of expressing warmth, nurturing, and the continuous flow of life.
Thus, I have titled this series "The Fountain of Life." It symbolizes the source, flow, and nourishment of life—both a natural fountain of vitality and an emotional symbol in cultural memory. Through this body of work, I aim to juxtapose the physical properties of lacquer with the cross-cultural symbol of the breast, inviting viewers to experience the interplay of visual and tactile imagination: life can form slowly, warmth can be materialized, and memories can flow quietly, like a fountain.” - MA Gaoxian
Born in June 1995 in Handan, China, MA Gaoxian graduated from the School of Arts and Design at Guilin University of Technology in June 2019. Following his graduation, he studied under Onishi Nagatoshi at the Gansen Urushi Studio International in Tokyo, Japan. In March 2021, he interned at the Kanazawa College of Art and completed his Master's degree in Crafts there in March 2023, mentored by Nobuyuki Tanaka.
The Fountain of Life 047 by MA Gaoxian
The oldest lacquerware discovered dates back to the Warring States period (403-221 B.C.). the craft has been transferred to Japan, Korea, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The value of a piece of lacquerware only begins with the materials used to make it. A high quality piece of lacquerware requires the skills of several different elements: lacquer, layers, core materials, decoration, colours, design and process.
