Adam Chau

Adam Chau is an artist that works between Connecticut and New York, USA. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute’s Designed Objects program, his research into digital manufacturing in ceramics has been published widely. Solo exhibitions have included The Clay Studio, Northern Clay Center, and Harvard Ceramics. In 2018, Adam was awarded the NCECA Emerging Artist Fellowship and in 2019 he became a member of the International Academy of Ceramics. Adam is currently the Director of Exhibitions for one of New York State’s largest Arts Councils and is also the Director of Exhibitions for NCECA.

“With a background in both craft and design, I research the evolution of craft technology from analog handwork to digital manufacturing in ceramics. I am interested in digital culture and how new rituals are being developed through selfies, emojis, and text messages.

As an Asian American artist, my concepts revolve around the rich history of blue-and-white porcelain aesthetics, deeply rooted in Asian culture. Fueled by a desire to bridge the past with the future, I try to breathe new life into this medium to ensure that tradition evolves rather than fades. Also drawing inspiration from the evolving culture online such as social media and dating apps, I explore the nuances of contemporary self-portraiture as well as queer culture. In the pursuit of cultural commentary, my work serves as an example of when heritage meets the digital frontier.

My newest body of work includes the use of Artificial Intelligence where large image datasets are referenced to collage new imagery – the content of this work has looked at imagined histories of queer couples. Put on found porcelain blanks, I reference the 1960’s work of Howard Kottler who utilized commercially available decals to talk about queer culture in a time where it was taboo.”

Visit Adam Chau’s website and Instagram page.