Expansion of Knowledge Boundaries in Contemporary Ceramic Practice: A Study through the Thai Ceramic Society International Exchange 2025

Abstract

This article explores the expanding knowledge landscape in the creative field of ceramics, as reflected in the Thai Ceramic Society International Exchange 2025 exhibition. It focuses on the development of knowledge in materials and production processes, tracing the evolution from historical practices rooted in local crafts to contemporary creative approaches. The study emphasizes the application and dissemination of knowledge through research, both in purely practice-based methods and practice-led research. The case studies drawn from this exhibition highlight the technical aspects of ceramic production rather than the diversity of content or conceptual depth. This perspective demonstrates how new materials and methods are shaping contemporary ceramic art and design. By viewing production as a body of knowledge that builds on the past and provides a foundation for the future, new generations of ceramic artists and designers are able to explore new possibilities. It also shows that focusing on technical processes can be just as much a creative driving force as developing content and concepts.

Seventeen works were selected from the exhibition as significant examples of how knowledge in materials and production processes is expanding. The selection criteria were based on two values in ceramic practice: (1) the value of integrating modern technology and materials into ceramic art, and (2) the value of excellence in technical methods. The study of these works revealed four key approaches that illustrate the development of contemporary ceramic production: (1) Alternative Forming Approaches – creating value by extending or challenging traditional forming methods, finding new techniques, or experimenting with new materials and technologies; (2) Surface Development Through Traditional Techniques – creating value by innovating on surfaces through decorating, coloring, and glaze experimentation; (3) Mimicking the Forms and Surfaces of Other Materials – developing high-level techniques to manipulate clay to imitate other materials, requiring advanced clay management skills; and (4) Material and Process-based Experimentation – generating knowledge through process-oriented research and experimentation with the possibilities of clay and glazes.

In conclusion, the knowledge landscape of ceramic materials and processes is continuously evolving. This demonstrates that production is not merely a backdrop for aesthetic expression but a central site of innovation and knowledge creation. The works presented in the Thai Ceramic Society International Exchange 2025 exhibition show how artists, designers, and researchers are pushing boundaries through experiments in forming processes, surface development, material identity, and production methods. These efforts contribute to shaping contemporary ceramics by combining tradition with experimentation, building a foundation for future development. Ultimately, the study underscores that materials and production processes remain at the heart of advancing the field of contemporary ceramics today.