Nearly two tons of discarded Korean ceramic shards, once destined for landfills, have been meticulously reassembled into two monumental vessels now standing at Green-Wood. This powerful installation, 'Celadon Landscape' by artist Jean Shin, opened on April 18, 2026, creating a striking visual at the historic site, according to Green-Wood.
Individual ceramic fragments are considered waste, but when collectively reassembled, they form a powerful and cohesive artistic statement. This transformation challenges conventional notions of worth.
Therefore, 'Celadon Landscape' suggests that fragmented cultural histories can be re-contextualized to create new, resilient forms of identity and beauty. The work invites viewers to consider the profound potential for transformation.
The Architecture of Brokenness
The sculpture features two vessels, measuring 3 ft 3 in h x 15 ft w x 9 ft 7 in d and 3 ft 11 in h x 9 ft w x 9 ft 7 in d, according to Jeanshin. These monumental forms are crafted from shards of broken cups, saucers, and pots, collected from numerous kilns in Korea, reported Colossal and jeanshin.com. This intricate assembly of everyday broken objects elevates refuse into a powerful, unified form, demanding a closer look at the meticulous effort behind its creation and the stories held within each fragment.
A Diaspora Reimagined in Shards
Nearly two tons of ceramic fragments, collected from numerous kilns in Korea, were shipped and then assembled into mosaic vessels for 'Celadon Landscape,' as noted by Hube magazine and jeanshin.com. This arduous process directly mirrors the journey and re-formation of identity inherent in the Korean diaspora. It reveals a global paradox: industrial processes generate vast cultural waste, yet artists like Shin transform this refuse into powerful symbols of enduring heritage. The work compels a re-evaluation of what is truly 'broken' or 'lost' in cultural terms.
Shin's Legacy of Transformation
Jean Shin became the first Korean American woman artist featured in a solo exhibition at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco in 2020, an achievement that solidifies her consistent exploration of identity and material transformation. 'Celadon Landscape' continues this impactful career, using the literal fragments of Korean heritage to construct monumental forms. It asserts that diaspora identity is not a diluted version of an origin culture, but a robust, re-formed entity built from disparate parts.
Experience the Re-Formed Landscape
Jean Shin's installation 'Celadon Landscape' is currently on view at The Green-House at Green-Wood in New York until January 17th, 2027. This project, which opened in April 2026, actively shapes future perceptions of Korean diaspora identity rather than merely documenting past experiences. Its presence at Green-Wood offers a unique opportunity for visitors to contemplate cultural heritage, resilience, and environmental repurposing, likely inspiring new dialogues on identity and value for years to come.
