Contemporary British Ceramics and the Influence of Sculpture: Monuments, Multiples, Destruction and Display

This book explores how British contemporary artists have transformed ceramics from a niche-interest craft to a prominent territory in the contemporary art gallery, accompanied by a critical discussion typically reserved for sculpture. It examines the implications of this collision between ceramics and sculpture for the hierarchies between art and craft, the identity of the potter, and the character of a discipline tied to a specific material.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 146 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the remarkable transformation of ceramics in British contemporary art over the past generation. Artists working with clay have achieved a remarkable feat by elevating the medium from a niche-interest craft to the esteemed realms of the contemporary art gallery. This remarkable journey has been accompanied by a critical discourse typically associated with the more esteemed field of sculpture. Ceramics is now engaging in a dynamic interplay with sculpture, both in terms of form and intellectual depth. In her insightful exploration, Laura Gray examines the profound implications of this convergence for the traditional hierarchies between art and craft, the identity of the potter, and the nature of a discipline rooted in a specific material yet eager to engage in critical dialogues that transcend the boundaries of clay.

The author begins by tracing the historical trajectory of ceramics in British art, highlighting its evolution from a utilitarian object to a medium for artistic expression. They explore how contemporary artists have embraced the versatility of clay, pushing the boundaries of its traditional uses and exploring new techniques and aesthetics. The book also delves into the critical reception of ceramics in the art world, examining how it has been both celebrated and challenged by critics and curators.

One of the central themes of the book is the blurring of the lines between art and craft. The author argues that the distinction between these two fields has become increasingly blurred in recent years, as artists increasingly integrate traditional craft techniques into their work. This fusion of art and craft has led to the creation of unique and innovative works that challenge traditional notions of what art is and can be.

The book also explores the identity of the potter in the contemporary art world. The potter has traditionally been associated with the craft of pottery, but in the context of contemporary art, the potter has become a symbol of creativity, innovation, and experimentation. The author argues that the potter's role has evolved from that of a skilled craftsman to that of a visionary artist, who is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with clay.

Another important theme of the book is the character of a discipline tied to a specific material but wanting to participate in critical discussions that extend far beyond clay. The author argues that ceramics is a discipline that is uniquely positioned to engage in critical discussions about art, culture, and society, as it is a material that is deeply intertwined with human history and culture. However, ceramics has often been overlooked or marginalized in the art world, as it is perceived as a less prestigious medium than painting or sculpture.

The book concludes by examining the future of ceramics in British contemporary art. The author suggests that ceramics has the potential to continue to evolve and grow as a medium, as artists continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with clay. They also argue that ceramics has the potential to become a more mainstream art form, as it continues to gain recognition and appreciation in the art world.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of ceramics in British contemporary art. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the remarkable transformation of ceramics over the past generation, and its profound implications for the art world. Through its engaging and thought-provoking narrative, the book offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and craft, the identity of the artist, and the nature of a discipline tied to a specific material but eager to participate in critical discussions that extend far beyond clay.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032476421