Ceramic art at Liste Art Fair, 2021

Ceramic art at Liste Art Fair, 2021

Ceramic art is more and more present at contemporary art fairs around the world. One example is Liste Art Fair, taking place between September 20-16, 2021, in Basel, Switzerland. Under the premise of promoting young international art, the Liste Committee selected 81 galleries from 33 countries to participate at the fair. Their artists are outstanding representatives of their generation and represent the latest developments and trends in contemporary art. 21 galleries have been selected for Liste Art Fair Basel for the first time, and a total of 50 solo presentations are on view. About 10% of all presentations feature ceramic artworks.

ADA, Rome

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Benni Bosetto presents a series of ceramic sculptures which are set up along the perimeter of the stand. At distance, the installation in the space recalls an empty room where the tubes run horizontally on the walls, at the height of a handrail. They are sliding sculptures referring to a fluid, natural and hybrid body: a dermal machine over the which protuberances similar to ears or mushrooms grow. The repetitive and slippery modulation of the ceramics leads the viewer to flow together with the object, space and time in a liquid dimension. This reminds us that our cells are filled with water that reincarnates endlessly from body to body, as well as the earth, like trees and every earthly element.

A.Romy, Zurich/Geneva

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Maya Hottarek’s work interacts with various media and usually revolves around a certain topic. A fundamental interest of hers is to articulate the complex interactions or synergies between the individual, society and the economy, to explore network systems. Hottarek relates all of these themes to our basic needs, including Nature, for exemple, which she considers the most fundamental need. Inspired by everyday life, Hottarek attempts through various methods to filter the simplicity of existence, and questions the notion of perception.

Embajada, San Juan

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For Embajada’s first participation in Liste Art Fair, Puerto Rican artist Manuel Mendoza Sánchez is showing a series of new ceramic sculptures that expand upon his investigation into the vase as medium for anecdotes on globalization. Since early civilizations, vases have been instrumental in the transfer of objects between different cultures. By means of the illustrations depicted on their outer surfaces, vases also functioned as some of the first bearers of cultural myths for nations. Following in this tradition, Mendoza Sánchez paints and adorns the outer surfaces of hand made ceramic vases with images from the internet combining themes common in current-day globalization.

For Liste Art Fair, Mendoza Sánchez has developed a new series of works depicting birds in anecdotal situations. Birds, like vases, have played a large role in human evolution, from being used as messengers, to weather prediction, to representing spiritual entities or simply being our companions. Mendoza Sánchez exploits these varied associations combining imagery to explore their metaphorical potential and create new narratives.

Sandwich, Bucharest

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DOGA, the solo presentation of Anaiis Touchot at Liste Art Fair includes ceramics as well as painting and mud sculptures. DOGA is a new body of work by French artist Anaïs Touchot which surpasses irony when looking into the wellness culture, and fully immerses into the strangeness of it. Humans are more like dolls (and not pretty ones) and puppies are overtly cute essentials.

Two figures on the floor try to overcome their stiffness. They are just clay and wigs, but the tension between them is palpable. All around, puppies painted and sculpted, overcrowd us with their paws and their tongues out and their exhausting friendliness. Doga creates an environment of exaggerated openness: it lures us in, promising relaxation, while knowing too well that access will be limited by our lack of flexibility.

The works of Anaïs Touchot often involve a clear connection between human and pets as a therapeutic means. Even more often, her works create dynamic spaces in which fitness becomes a community-making tool and wellness services are intended to overcome their inherent egocentrism and promote the care for the other, instead of care for the self.

Other galleries exhibiting ceramic works at Liste Art Fair include Gallerie Allen, Paris and The Sunday Painter, London.

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Photos courtesy of the artists/galleries

Featured photo: Benni Bosetto, Gli Imbambolati, 2018