Restoration motifs in creative works of contemporary ceramics artists

Aesthetics of fragment that replaced classical ideal’s integrity is considered to be postmodernist epoch’s distinguishing feature. Contemporary ceramics designers treat the theme of fragment, referring to restoration or action aimed at former integrity’s recovery. New ideas suppose new ways of embodiment, and new techniques set another character of expression. Cold assembly technique originating from restoration practice and not characteristic of traditional ceramic manufacture proves the best possible way to express dramatic character of damage and fragmentation. Pronounced references to the history of restoration can be found in the use by artists of kuntsugi, or gold lacquer technique. Thus, in search for expressiveness artists borrow approaches and materials from restoration-conservation practice. Conservators prompt innovative ways of interpretation of the fragment and the whole in visual perception, and in turn, artists contribute to the search of new ways of losses treatment on pieces of art which once used to be integer.