CAPE TOWN CERAMIC CACOPHANY

 Currently there has been an abundance of ceramics exhibited in Cape Town and surrounds...on Friday I visited 'Heavy Metal' where I viewed the very interesting social commentary in the work of Gerhardt Swart and Anthony Harris (Ceramic Matters). In the light of all the recent publicity around domestic violence these are poignant pieces.

Kiss plate by Ceramic Matters

At the Stellenbosch Woordfees, Hennie Meyer presents a powerful installation of blue and white bowls presented on a lo o o ng black table surrounded by black 'ghostly' chairs - at the P.J Olivier Art Centre.

Blue and white bowl installation by Hennie Meyer

 

On Saturday I visited the Dinner for 101 at The Castle of Good Hope, a really great show presenting an excellent overview of contemporary ceramics in South Africa. One setting - a plate by Julie Lovelace - had been removed from the main table as it was deemed offensive by a group of young tourists from China. It seems the group had never heard of Ai Wei Wei, nor were they aware of human rights abuses in China....

The plate is now alone on a side table where in fact, by being singled out, it carries the content more strongly.

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Plate by Julie Lovelace