(It’s) What’s on the outside that matters (?)
17 December 2011 – 25 February 2012
An exhibition of contemporary ceramics incorporating the Elizabeth Waite Purchase Prize (EWPP). Originated by Newport Museum and Art Gallery
(It’s) what’s on the outside that matters (?) is the third in a series of biennial exhibitions which showcase contemporary ceramic practice in the United Kingdom.
The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘surface’ and the show presents a collection of work demonstrating a variety of approaches taken by the artists to the treatment of the ceramic surface.
Decoration and treatment of the ceramic surface have played significant roles throughout the history of worldwide ceramic practice. Before the surfaces of basic domestic vessels were worked upon in an attempt to make them less porous and more functional, each culture involved in the production of ceramics soon realised a potential for decoration and symbolic expression. Throughout history colours, lines and textures have been used to express and relate individual or common and universal experiences, thoughts, values and feelings. On to the surface ceramic artists have cast images and representations of their existence; imbued their work with the essence of their own realities, fantasies and fictions.
The pieces selected for the exhibition demonstrate a diverse range of approaches and techniques employed by the makers to render their expressions. To some the surface is altered after the form of the piece is made applied as slip, decal or glaze or removed and modified by actions such as sgraffito, carving and sandblasting. Others take the approach of making the surface integral at all stages such as mixing oxides and organic matter into the body of the clay at its wet stage to add colour and texture before forming.
Together the pieces in the exhibition provide dynamic juxtapositions where narrative and pictorial expressions sit alongside those of abstraction as well as marks of pure design. The show therefore offers a snapshot of some of the many concerns and considerations given to the ceramic surface in contemporary practice.
Featuring work by Peter Beard, Bev Bell Hughes, Robert Cooper, Lucy Foakes, Carolyn Genders, Morgen Hall, Sam Hall, Peter Hayes, Frankie Locke, Pauline Monkcom, Sara Moorhouse, Katharine Morling, Karen Ryan, Sharon Richards, Geoff Swindell and Sasha Wardell.
Official opening event and purchase prize announcement : Saturday 14 January 2012, 11.30am – 1pm. This is a free event, all welcome.
Newport Museum & Art Gallery
John Frost Square
Newport
South Wales
NP20 1PA
(01633) 414701
museum@newport.gov.uk
Opening times
Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.00pm;
Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm;
Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm;
Closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Culture Colony Y Wladfa Newydd
