From Here, Everything Begins Anew: New work by Jane Yang- D’Haene

Jane Yang-D’Haene’s work in stoneware is profoundly influenced by her Korean heritage, particularly traditional ceramic forms such as the dal hang-ari (Moon Jar), an iconic symbol of Korean culture. Her vessels, though rooted in these historical forms, diverge significantly as she delves into the realms of surface textures, movements, and tonal shifts. This experimenta- tion lends her creations a unique sculptural quality, allowing her to craft planetary forms that mimic the earth and reflect the origins of the clay she uses.

By transforming the emotional experiences of memory into physical forms, D’Haene creates new visions of place and self through abstraction and experimentation. Each piece in her series represents an integral part of her narrative, symbolizing the relationship between the human mind and its body, and how our physical selves conceal and reflect our inner worlds of thoughts, feelings, and memories.

Departing from her roots as a South Korean artist, D’Haene has positioned herself as a neo-practitioner. She incorporates her own language and life experiences into three-dimensional investigations of pain, joy, and wonder. By working within a historical narrative, D’Haene pushes the formal boundaries of her medium, elevating her work and presenting a conceptual challenge to the viewer. By confronting traditional forms, she highlights her innovations, embracing imperfection as a source of beauty. The anomalies created during firing—a process rife with chance—are celebrated, capturing their aesthetic value. Her vessels balance opposing forces, appearing both terrestrial and other- worldly, abstracted yet functional. Though derived from tradition, her work is unmistakably unconventional.