28 May – 14 June 2020

about the exhibition

PORCELAIN brings together the work of six highly respected ceramicists: Prue Venables, Keiko Matsui, Kevin White, Neville French, Shannon Garson and Alice Couttoupes. The exhibition showcases the complexity, beauty and strength of this material.

Prue Venables has established a national and international reputation as one of Australia’s leading contemporary ceramic artists. Motivated by a particular interest in functional objects and a search for simplicity, quietness and an essential stillness, Prue makes objects that are pared back, serene and deceptively simple. These beautiful porcelain objects disguise the laborious making process involved. Through her work, Prue explores a multitude of references, ranging from musical harmonies and spaces through to functional objects. Her practice also includes the use of contemporary metal, timber and plastic objects. Her graceful forms are made to be used and handled but also embody sculptural and spatial interactions to reflect musical rhythm and even a quiet pause for breath.

Prue Venables was born in England but grew up in Australia before returning to England in 1977 to study ceramics at the renowned Harrow School of Art. After teaching and practicing ceramics in the UK for 12 years, Prue returned to Australia in 1989 and has continued to exhibit widely in Australia, Japan, Europe, Asia and the USA. In 2018, Prue was selected as the 9th Australian Design Centre’s Living Treasure – Master of Australian Craft. This award celebrates the work and practice of exceptional individuals who have demonstrated more than three decades of excellence in their chosen discipline. Prue has won many awards and her work is in significant collections including the National Gallery of Australia, Fuping Museum (China), Auckland Museum and Gallery (New Zealand) and the state galleries of Queensland, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.