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Pots with personality: Museum of Brisbane unveils colourful clay collection
“I feel pretty” reads the label on a pink pot with ceramic bows at the Museum of Brisbane.
Another sitting beside it has been created with colours reminiscent of confetti, while ceramic birthday candles entice art lovers with the message “Welcome to the party”.
The exhibition Clay: Collected Ceramics is on at the Museum of Brisbane until October.Credit: Claudia Baxter
An even smaller blue pot bearing smiley faces and rainbows gives off attitude with the words “A bit much”.
These are just some of the pots that are part of the collection of vibrant contemporary ceramics in the exhibition Clay: Collected Ceramics that showcases stories of Brisbane through the art form.
Various local and international artworks are on display.Credit: Claudia Baxter
The collection includes newly commissioned, never-before-seen works from cutting-edge Brisbane ceramic artists Bonnie Hislop, Steph Woods, Kenji Uranishi, Jane du Rand and Nicolette Johnson.
The work of 10 renowned artists – including Carl McConnell, one of Queensland’s most significant post-war artisans – will also be on display, while a mural has been created by artist-in-residence, Indigenous woman Jody Rallah, using handmade coolamons – cultural utensils made of tree bark.
Cathy de Silva, the museum’s acting chief executive, said the practice of ceramics was an integral part of various cultures around the world in sharing traditions and tales.
“As a material, clay can change its form under the hands of its maker – so too can each piece’s very purpose,” she said.
“Clay: Collected Ceramics at Museum of Brisbane will dive deeper into the personal processes of creating and collecting pottery pieces, and celebrate the makers who have used this medium to create and shape the contemporary landscape of local art.”
The free exhibition, which is open until Sunday, October 22, is part of the Brisbane Art Design festival, which has been running this month and ends this weekend with a showcase on the theme of culture, community and clay.
From May 26 to 28, South Brisbane’s Fish Lane will host a wearable art and fashion parade, as well as an exclusive art dinner at Southside restaurant, while Echo & Bounce in Woolloongabba will host a laneway soiree with local DJs.
Open studios and workshops will be offered at the Dead Puppet Society space in Woolloongabba, as well as at the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University and TAFE Queensland in South Brisbane, Metro Arts in West End, The Paint Factory in Yeronga, and Yeerongpilly’s Bag End Studio.
The vacant assembly space in West End will also showcase a clay school alumni show and market.
A closing party at Yeerongpilly’s Station Road Creative Precinct on Sunday, May 28, will celebrate the inspired, expressive and experimental output of the local creative community.