Tag: pottery

Simone Leigh in ‘Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina’

Simone Leigh’s monumental ‘Large Jug’ in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibition ‘Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina’ draws on the historic and influential pottery produced by enslaved Africans in Old Edgefield prior to the Civil War.  The Met’s current show includes vessels used for food preparation and storage as well as a selection of face jugs, pottery vessels bearing human likenesses and having ritual significance.  In Leigh’s version, facial features have been replaced by large cowrie shells that hint at eyes or mouths but also point to the past use of the shells as currency.  (On view through Feb 5th, 2023).

Simone Leigh, Large Jug, glazed stoneware, 62 1/2 × 40 3/4 × 45 ¾,’21 – 22.

Warren MacKenzie at Driscoll Babcock Galleries

Minnesota-based nonagenarian ceramic artist Warren MacKenzie means for his creations to be used. A selection of work at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, including this attractive arrangement of cups and bowls, holds out the idea of living with beautiful things. (In Chelsea through Feb 25th).

Warren MacKenzie, installation view of ‘A Master’s Hand’ at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, Jan 2017.
Warren MacKenzie, installation view of ‘A Master’s Hand’ at Driscoll Babcock Galleries, Jan 2017.

Joan Bankemper in ‘Cutout/Decoupage’ at Nancy Hoffman Gallery

Known for her elaborate, nature-inspired ceramic vessels, Joan Bankemper’s three-part contribution to Nancy Hoffman Gallery’s winter group exhibition is a serenely gorgeous reminder that winter won’t last forever. (In Chelsea through Jan 24th).

Joan Bankemper, installation view of ‘Cutout/Decoupage’ at Nancy Hoffman Gallery, December 2014.

Rebecca Morgan at Asya Geisberg Gallery

Poised like Venus lying in the grass or hiking semi-nude with a walking stick and an open flannel shirt, Pennsylvania-based artist Rebecca Morgan’s self-portraits are skillfully crafted, hilarious takes on rural stereotypes. Here, she changes gears, donning a ‘depression blanket’ to ward off the chill and the mental state her far-away look suggests. (At Chelsea’s Asya Geisberg Gallery through March 29th).

Rebecca Morgan, Depression Blanket, oil and graphite on panel, 28” x 22,” 2014.

Bruce High Quality Foundation at The Brooklyn Museum

Bruce High Quality Foundation (an anonymous collective of Brooklyn artists) show off their light-hearted but ambitious practice at the Brooklyn Museum, including these vitrines housing crudely recreated selections from the Met’s Greek and Roman galleries.  The installation recalls the age-old student practice of perfecting one’s art by copying in museums though these renditions of the Met’s ancient masterpieces are decidedly folksy and imperfect.  (Through Sept 22nd).

‘The Greek and Roman Collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art,’ Play dough, cardboard, wood, acrylic, polystyrene foam, 2013.