Upcoming ceramics triennale to promote clay artists

With the aim of taking ceramic art into the larger contemporary art world, India's first ceramic triennale will present projects by Indian and international artists at the Jawahar Kala Kendra here from August 31.

"Indian Ceramics Triennale: Breaking Ground", being held in collaboration with the Contemporary Clay Foundation, will engage participating artists and the audience in the discourse around clay as an existing and emerging medium.

Highlighting the need for a ceramics event, Advisory Committee member Peter Nagy said in a statement that although 21st century ceramics have been relegated to a secondary status in the world of art, they have taken on a new relevance now.

"Primordial earth, dirt and clay speak to the very core of our beings and can spark our most fundamental creative energies," he added.

The nearly 3-month-long triennale, which will conclude on November 18, will feature projects from 35 Indian artists who have been described as those "breaking ground around the world for long" by festival Advisor Ray Meeker.

"In India, traditional uses of clay, from village potter to architectural material and ritual art are gradually getting recognized and documented, while the contemporary art world is beginning to utilize the potential and versatility of this material," the organisers said.

The triennale will also see participation of 12 international artists, who will set up studios at the Kendra to exhibit their work.

A book "Building with Fire" by Ray Meeker, who also founded the ceramic initiative Golden Bridge Pottery in Puducherry, will be launched at the event.

Films, masterclasses and workshops, along with talks and an open clay playground will be the major highlights of the event, which will also house projects exploring themes of scale, site specificity and concept through installation, interaction, technology and performance.

--IANS

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