Yen Qin – 'Majestic Ming', 2023

Georgina Yen Qin Lee's vessels intricately weave narratives of shame and reverence, drawing on her lived experience as an Australian-born Chinese Malaysian. The forms begin as perfectly shaped vessels that pay homage to traditional Chinese vases. However, deliberate manipulation and calculated vandalism transform them, symbolising cultural erasure as a result of assimilation into Western society. Amidst the distortion refinement endures, capturing the artist's pursuit to reclaim pride in her heritage. The series is an exploration of the complexities of cultural identity—a journey into tradition, adaptation, and self-discovery, inviting contemplation of creation, reclamation, and cultural preservation.

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Yen Qin is the studio practice of Georgina Yen Qin Lee, an emerging ceramicist based in Naarm/Melbourne. Georgina uses the medium of ceramics to explore her personal experience as an Australian-born Chinese Malaysian, where feelings of both shame and reverence for her culture permeate through her work. All works are made by Georgina and fired in her studio in Abbotsford, Victoria. She has degrees in Mechanical Engineering (Monash University), Art History (University of Melbourne) and Visual Art (Victorian College of the Arts). She developed her ceramic practice at the School of Clay and Art under Neville French.

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Vessel Project

June 1- July 29

The Vessel Project is an exploration of the vessel en masse, as imagined by Melbourne’s most creative practitioners. The showcase continues the examination of modern amphorae in Jugs, and celebrates Craft's curatorial collaboration with the NGV for Vessels – now showing as part of Melbourne Now at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. 

Read about the exhibition.

Material: stoneware, porcelain slip, glaze, underglaze, oxides

Dimensions:  21 x 15 x 15cm

Photography: Henry Trumble