Sun Jialing

SUN Jialing was born in Qingdao, China. She obtained a postgraduate degree from Department of Ceramic Design of Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University.

Based on the skeleton, the work ‘Skeleton Change’ explores the transition period between life and death, existence and disappearance. The skeleton gradually reveals its appearance when life fades away, and it is the lasting proof of the existence.

Meanwhile, Sun created various changes based on the original shape to emphasise the independent existence of the skeleton; some parts are expanding and stretching, while others are converging and reducing. She explained, the skeleton cannot remember everything, but some memories, sounds and pictures are becoming more vivid while others are fading.

For Sun, the similarity in the quality of ceramic and bones helps to convey the subtle yet magnificent transformation. Though the bones look similar, they differ significantly as each life has unique experience and leave their individual marks. The same is true for pottery. Even with a similar process, each piece of work has its character after different interpretation.

Image source: Sun Jialing