September 1, 2025
Since relocating from Nanjing to Melbourne in 2019, Tido Art Gallery has spent a quiet period in reflection and adjustment. In May 2025, the gallery finally returned to the Australian art stage with a renewed presence,debuting at the prestigious Affordable Art Fair. This decision not only marked a fresh start but also symbolized Tido Art’s official integration into Australia’s local art community.
Nearly a decade of experience in Nanjing provided Tido Art with a solid foundation in ceramic art creation and exhibition. Recognition from the Affordable Art Fair’s selection committee affirms not only its past achievements but also the relevance of its artistic vision within an international context.
At this exhibition, Tido Art Gallery showcased a significant body of work by its representative artist Darian(yijian) Duan, spanning both traditional and contemporary dimensions. In his ceramics practice, Duan continues to explore the tension between material and culture through a distinctive artistic language:
Underglaze Red (Youlihong):
By precisely balancing pigment density with firing temperatures and effects, Duan emphasizes the uniqueness of secondary creation. He fuses an understanding of color with emotion, thought, and sensitivity to timing, imbuing each piece with layered depth and complexity.
Blue-and-White(Qinghua):
Rooted in the tradition of a singular Oriental tone, Duan delves into five nuanced layers within monochrome. These works convey an elegant Eastern spirit, while also embodying Zen philosophy and the cultural essence of the East.
Wucai (Multicolored): In these pieces, Duan draws upon Western approaches to color—intuition and emotion as guiding forces—allowing Western chromatic logic to engage in dialogue with Eastern ceramic traditions, resulting in a richly inclusive form of expression.
Oil Painting:
Beginning with a linear aesthetic approach, Duan expands into considerations of volume, space, and surface. Through layered brushwork, he intertwines the rational and emotional colors of the West with the philosophical interplay of black and white in the East, producing a visual experience of collision and fusion.
These creations not only demonstrate Duan’s technicalmastery but also reflect his deep intellectual engagement within across-cultural artistic context.
At the fair, Tido Art presented multiple groups of works, including underglaze red, blue-and-white porcelain, large-scale contemporaryceramics, and abstract oil paintings. Among them, the monumental ceramic piece Rhythmwas acquired for AUD 7,990 (excl. GST), a testament to collectors’ recognition of its artistic value. Smaller watercolour portraits also found eager audiences, with one selling for AUD 850 (excl. GST). Abstract paintings, with the irinterplay of color, line, and layered composition, sparked lively conversations with university professors and art professionals, serving as catalysts for new inspiration.
The fair attracted approximately 18,000 visitors in total, with over 12,000 entering Tido Art’s booth. Whether ceramics, watercolour, or painting, the diversity of Tido Art’s presentation resonated positively with both the public and professionals.
Reflecting on this exhibition, Tido Art recognizes new opportunities for rethinking work scale and display strategy. More importantly, this debut represents a new beginning on Australia’s artistic map. With the academic depth and creative innovation embodied in Darian(Yijian) Duan’s works, Tido Art Gallery steps confidently into its next chapter—continuing to explore new possibilities in ceramics and contemporary art at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
We had great time in the exhibition and continue to looking forward to bring more lovely moment with you.
