Koi

Unearthed: Contemporary South African Ceramics gathers a wide-ranging collection of the influential ceramicists and stylistic evolutions that have spurred the discipline forward over the past sixty years. Though ceramic art has been sidelined in the broader contemporary art world, there is a growing appreciation of the technical mastery required to successfully build and process a ceramic work.

The title Unearthed is a reminder that while the approaches of the ceramic artists in the sale might differ vastly, the earth is a shared source of the minerals and composite materials used to create the clays they work with. Unearthing also points to the act of surrender each maker must embrace, as they can never be certain of what will be uncovered once firing is complete.

The minimalist vessels of Esais Bosch (lot 136), Hyme Rabinowitz (lot 103) and Andrew Walford (lot 148) are examples of the studio movement that developed as Contemporary South African Ceramics emerged in the 1960s and 1970s.  These distinguished potters drew inspiration from the Anglo-Oriental, Arts and Crafts and Studio Pottery movements of the early and mid-20^th Century.

Another significant work in the auction is by one of Ardmore Ceramic Studio’s first artists, Josephine Ghesa. The animal-like, mythological figures Ghesa has sculpted in lot 120 reference the folklore tales and spiritual visions that many of her haunting forms are based on. Our sale also includes the collectable ceramics (lots 115 and 134) collaboratively made by Ardmore artists. Founded by Fée Halsted in 1985, Ardmore is one of many arts and crafts studios in South Africa that have provided arts education and a stable income for individuals from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds.

The sale also presents pieces from artists like Hendrien Horn, who are exploring innovative technologies to push what is possible with the medium. In a process similar to traditional hand coiling, intricate rings of clay are 3D-printed to form what Horn refers to as “edgy clay ware” (lot 101). There are also seasoned artists who are newly exploring ceramics like Kevin Collins, whose playful style (lots 108 and 109) is reminiscent of Hylton Nel’s quirky take on the decorative plate (lot 107). The clay becomes a canvas for both Collins and Nel.

The works of Andile Dyalvane (lot 104), Madoda Fani (lot 125) and Mpho Mokgatlhe (lot 116 and 117) are commanding examples of how Nguni ceramic traditions have been reinterpreted by South African ceramists. Their works recall the forms, scarification patterns and raised bumps (amasumpa) typical of ukhamba (used to serve traditional beer), in a celebration of the cultural heritage and rituals traditional hand-coiled pots are associated with.

Ben Orkin’s Anchor (Lot 111) is another highlight in the sale. It is built with a grounding weight and comforting tactility that interrogates the relationship between the body and clay. Orkin’s practice reveals the intimate conceptual language that many contemporary South African ceramicists are engaging with in their works.