Magdalena Gerber

Magdalena Gerber (Switzerland, 1966) is an artist based in Geneva. Holding a Master of Arts in Art/Design and Innovation from Basel University of Art and Design (2006), she serves as a lecturer at the Geneva University of Art and Design, HEAD — Geneva. Since 2013 she has been in charge of the CERCCO, Center of contemporary ceramics of the Geneva University of Art and Design, where she has taught the REAL postgraduate course in ceramics and polymers since 2007. She also gives classes on materials and methodology in the Design, Fashion and Jewellery and Interior Architecture sections. From 2011 until 2013, she had the lead of the Research project GraphicCeram.

She has exhibited in several international institutions such as Museum Borély, Marseille; Museum of Design, Zurich; Ariana Museum, Geneva; Musée Royal de Mariemont, Belgium; Bernardaud Foundation, Limoges; Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris; The Museum of Decorative Arts and Design, Oslo; The Rath Museum, Geneva, MIC-Faenza.

Her works move in a force-field between art and design. They aim to surprise the viewer and inspire him with new ways of perception. The recent works focus on the deindustrialization of the Swiss ceramics industry and the disappearance of knowledge and cultural heritage.

Her artistic research is based on several axes: The relationship that the ceramic object has with image, imagination and reality by questioning its status and role as a catalyst for stories. Another field of investigation is the disappearance of know-how in the post-industrial context of Swiss ceramics. In addition, she is continually conducting ceramic research to develop sculptures, raising the question of the emergence of random forms and their relationship to space. These investigations allow her to constantly discover new forms, materials and surfaces. She is passionate about the infinite possibilities of this material, which allows her to create objects and sculptures to the limit of what is possible, often associating other materials, such as textiles, fur or latex.

Visit Magdalena Gerber’s website and Instagram page.