otherthings by THE SHOPHOUSE has announced Steve Harrison‘s upcoming exhibit, Last Supper.
The project is a collaboration between the ceramicist and Jun Takahashi, composer Olivier Cong, tea sommelier Nana Chan and chef Margaret Xu. “Last Supper” will be presented in two parts — the exhibition and a meal — that will serve as notable cross-disciplinary commentaries on the prevailing power of sacred traditions and the transformative potential of collaborative artistry.
Taking inspiration from the biblical event, the Last Supper exhibition will feature a series of 24 ash-colored irregular beakers that pays homage to the Chinese custom of utilizing bowls as the main “plate” during meals. “A bowl is the most organic, simplest form,” Harrison said, with the utilitarian beaker reflecting the communal meal shared by Jesus and his disciples. The ceramicist made the conscious decision to create 24 pieces under the acceptance that half of them may not make it past the firing process, unexpectedly representing the 12 disciples. All of the beakers survived, however, allowing him to capture his spiritual resonance. The numbers 2442, which mirror each other, add up to 12, and is the same room number featured in the film Rigor Mortis that was part of Harrison’s thought process.
Takahashi, Harrison’s long-time friend and a collector of his pieces, responded with his own work: reimagined church chairs — dubbed the “Anarchy Chair” — which feature Harrison’s signature ceramic sunflowers and bronze lighting sculptures that lifts religious elements from the biblical occurrence.
Hosted alongside the exhibition is a unique dining experience helmed by Cong, Chan and Xu. Composer Cong scored an immersive sound piece utilizing Harrison’s beakers that will play during the meal and exhibition, while Plantation Tea’s Chan will introduce a tea ceremony that pays homage to the beaker’s primary purpose. Finally, Chef Xu will reimagine the theme of congregation for her innovative approach to contemporary Chinese cuisine, and will put an emphasis on the use of local ingredients and sustainable practices.
Last Supper is on view by appointment only from October 27 to November 24 at otherthings’ new exhibition space. The meal will take place across two time slots on October 26 with a price of $2,442 HKD. Bookings can be made via the otherthings website.
otherthings by THE SHOPHOUSE
31 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang
Hong Kong
