Hennie Meyer

Compressed History

2024

From ancient times, the materiality of clay has presented itself as a metaphor for human self-transformation. In recent decades, visual artists have leveraged this metaphor to explore the boundaries of visual art through creative experimentation. This has led to the development of innovative techniques and styles that push the limits of materiality and artistic expression. ‘Compressing Materiality’ brings to the fore notable artists exploring the mutable materiality of clay within the contemporary South African context. Existing in multiple temporalities and forms, both malleable and fragile, clay draws on various transformational agents to reflect culture and history—serving as a repository of collective memory and heritage. Its enduring materiality transcends temporal and spatial boundaries, fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse cultural landscapes. In the hands of an artist, clay transcends its inert state, undergoing metamorphosis through the alchemy of skill, imagination, and fire. By demanding physical engagement—a communion between hand and material—the artwork is imbued with an innate vitality. Clay moulds, sculpts, and shapes, yielding to the artist's will, yet simultaneously asserting its own agency. Featured as part of this group showcase, Antoinette Du Plessis...

From ancient times, the materiality of clay has presented itself as a metaphor for human self-transformation. In recent decades, visual artists have leveraged this metaphor to explor...

From ancient times, the materiality of clay has presented itself as a metaphor for human self-transformation. In recent decades, visual artists have leveraged this metaphor to explor...

Frank Nthunya is a South African ceramic artist born in 1981, renowned for his innovative approach to pottery. He specializes in creating hand-coiled clay vessels, employing traditional techniques such as smoke-firing and burnishing to produce unique, aesthetically pleasing pieces. Nthunya's work draws inspiration from traditional African pottery methods, while simultaneously incorporating modern aesthetics, resulting in a distinctive fusion of old and new. His contributions to the field of ceramics celebrate traditional craftsmanship, yet they also explore contemporary themes, which has garnered him significant recognition in the contemporary art scene. Nthunya's pieces have been showcased in various galleries, and their frequent sell-outs reflect their growing popularity among collectors. As a notable figure in South African art, Nthunya continues to push the boundaries of ceramic artistry, blending cultural heritage with modern expression. ‘Se-Ka Lefiso’ was one of the works included as part of EBONY/CURATED’s group showcase at the 2024 RMB Latitudes Art Fair, where he exhibited alongside Anico Mostert, John Newdigate...

Stephanie Lanter Title : "Full" Materials : Porcelain, glaze, stoneware Date : 2020 Dimensions : 15" x 12" x 5" Description : Manually slip-trailed & coil built sculpture Stephanie is an artist and educator working in clay, fiber, and various media. Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Emporia State University, she previously taught at Washburn University and Wichita State University. She has also been fortunate enough to be a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, the LH Project, the Red Lodge Clay Center, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and the Mendocino Arts Center, and was the first Jentel/Archie Bray Foundation “Critic at the Bray.” Abstract, abstract art, contemporary art, ceramcs, porcelain, contemporary ceramics, mixed media, fine art, glaze, gold luster, abstract geometric, minimalism, contemporary fine art, ceramic artists, sculptural ceramics, hand-build porcelain, crocheted, Betty Woodman, Toshiko Takaezu, Richard T. Notkin, Tony Marsh...

Stephanie Lanter Title : "If Nothing Else" Materials : Porcelain, glaze, stoneware Date : 2019 Dimensions : 15" x 15.5" x 8" Description : Manually sl...

Stephanie Lanter Title : "Find the Line" Materials : Porcelain, glaze, stoneware Date : 2018 Dimensions : 12" x 8.5" x 9" Description : Manually slip-...

Stephanie Lanter Title : "Missed" Materials : Porcelain, glaze, stoneware Date : 2019 Dimensions : 15" x 13.5" x 11" Description : Manually slip-trailed sculpture on coil built pedestal Stephanie is an artist and educator working in clay, fiber, and various media. Assistant Professor of Ceramics at Emporia State University, she previously taught at Washburn University and Wichita State University. She has also been fortunate enough to be a resident artist at the Archie Bray Foundation, the LH Project, the Red Lodge Clay Center, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and the Mendocino Arts Center, and was the first Jentel/Archie Bray Foundation “Critic at the Bray.” Abstract, abstract art, contemporary art, ceramcs, porcelain, contemporary ceramics, mixed media, fine art, glaze, gold luster, abstract geometric, minimalism, contemporary fine art, ceramic artists, sculptural ceramics, hand-build porcelain, crocheted, Betty Woodman, Toshiko Takaezu, Richard T. Notkin, Tony Marsh...