Surface Landing

This symposium lecture and paper highlight the remarkable versatility of vitreous enamel, a material that transcends time and tradition, finding its place in a broad spectrum of Art, Design, and Architectural applications, both traditional and modern. The slides not only showcase the challenges of contemporary enamel art but also present a forward-looking perspective, exploring future applications by drawing inspiration from past uses. A reviewer from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in China commented that the title 'Surface Landing' demonstrated cutting-edge, innovative ideas and practices in enamel and materials, as well as philosophical interconnectivities between Space travel, Stars, Moon Landings, and Enamel dust as a composite material. The concept of 'Surface Landing' refers to the intersection of space exploration and the materiality of enamel, creating a unique platform for artistic and philosophical exploration. The "Beijing International Enamel Art Creation and Exchange Conference and Exhibition" is a recent event that took place from October 17 to 31, 2025, at the Beijing Union University Handicraft Museum. Co-organised by the Beijing Union University, the Beijing Arts and Crafts Industry Association, and the Beijing Arts and Crafts Society, the exhibition featured various enamel art pieces. It was also timed to coincide with the 13th Beijing Arts and Crafts Academic Symposium. An aim of the conference was to establish a high-level dialogue platform for the exchange of enamel crafts and the inheritance and innovation of non-heritage heritage between China and international partners.