Stoked on Trent

This year marks the third anniversary of the British Ceramics Biennial, which showcases the best design, art and craft in the medium at various venues across Stoke-on-Trent.

Christie Brown, Sleepover detail (group of 23) figures installed in the Freud Museum, 2012.
Christie Brown, Sleepover detail (group of 23) figures installed in the Freud Museum, 2012.

More than 150 practitioners are taking part in this year’s event, with exhibitions, installations and events that aim to highlight British ceramics, as well as Stoke-on-Trent’s creative heritage.

Jin Eui Kim, Object no. 7, 2012
Jin Eui Kim, Object no. 7, 2012

According to organisers, the 2013 edition celebrates ‘the role of the individual artist, inviting them to explore, create and curate’.

Fay Jenkinson, Whispers, 2013.
Fay Jenkinson, Whispers, 2013.

This looks to make for a more interactive visitor experience, with a working ceramic studio and a programme of workshops for guests to take part in.

The Biennial’s hub is sited in the former Spode factory in Stoke town, where highlights include the China Hall Pavilions –  a series of structures created by artists and designers in response to their own previous work.

Zachary Eastwood, Bloom, Digital Earth.

Source: Zachary Eastwood

Zachary Eastwood, Bloom, Digital Earth.

As in previous years, the Fresh exhibition will showcase UK ceramics graduates.

The Exploring Spode space, meanwhile, features responses to the factory space itself, including poet and writer Holly Corfield Carr’s texts embedded in the building.

Part of the Bergen Academy of art and design residency. 'Topologies of the Obsolete, Vociferous Void' 2013.
Part of the Bergen Academy of art and design residency. ‘Topologies of the Obsolete, Vociferous Void’ 2013.

Elsewhere, a number of buildings formerly shut-off from the public have been opened up by a group of 30 researchers from the Bergen Academy of Art and Design (KHIB) in Norway.

Flux tableware, 2013
Flux tableware, 2013

Other new offers for the 2013 event include Film Room, houses screenings of ceramic-relevant moving image works, and a gallery shop.

James and Tilla Waters, Naked Tea Set.
James and Tilla Waters, Naked Tea Set.

The British Ceramics Biennial runs until November at various Stoke-on-Trent venues. For more information visit  www.britishceramicsbiennial.com

 

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