EARTHBOUND www.eclecticacontemporary.co.za
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clectica Contemporary presents a collection of Cape Town based ceramic artists in the third wave of the design exhibition titled 11:11. Highlighting sustainable design we draw reference to earth as an element and as a material property for creation. Earth is transformed by ceramic artists into key spiritual experiences through an ancient craft. Ceramics, like stone carving has been historically used as a method of documenting various life cycles including culture, politics and economics. Even though clay artifacts were widely used in South Africa for domestic and other purposes throughout the past two millennia, there is still remarkable absence of historical literature exploring prehistoric ceramics. In this exhibition the artists have replaced canvasses with clay to narrate their own histories, indigenous knowledge and personal experiences. Talented duo Majolandile (Andile) Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa are reinterpreting African traditions through ceramics at their acclaimed studio Imiso. The term ‘Imiso’ is a Xhosa word that translates to ‘tomorrow’ and hints at the movement of African designs into unapologetically modern future. Imiso ceramics take inspiration from personal histories as well as indigenous methodologies and African traditions, making their practice conceptually rich. The scarified collection is inspired by the ancient African Tradition of body scarification. A traditional practice that is used to protect individuals against negative spiritual and physical manifestations in the African realm of traditional knowledge. Madoda Fani grew up in Gugulethu, Cape Town and pursued his creative practice as a fine art Student at Sivuyile College. He worked as a ceramic painter in various pottery studios, where he started to develop
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his own style. He is known for his detailed finishing on minimalist wood-fired terra cotta shapes. His hand carved details echo the natural world and in the same breath speaks of the human imprint on the environment. Similarly, his hand-coiling technique that he has become known for is indicative of his hand as a tool for manipulating natural elements and mark making. His 2000 award at Le Salon International de l’artisanal de Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso was a crucial step in affirming his creative process and his work boasts of an extensive list of awards and exhibitions both locally and internationally. Sinethemba Xola was born and raised in a vibrant township of Motherwell in the Eastern Cape. He has pervasive training in the medium of clay and holds a B-Tech degree in ceramic design from Port Elizabeth Technikon. In addition, he also worked at two educational institutions namely College of Cape Town and Johannesburg TVET college as an educator in craft and ceramics. Currently Xola resides in Cape Town as a technician and facilitator of clay workshops at iMiso Studio and also practices as an independent ceramic artist. The organic curves of Xola’s clay sculptures intentionally announce the female body but can also be viewed as masculine due to its overarching ambiguous shape. The artist plays inside an in-between space that reflects his undeniable craftsmanship and talent. Melissa Barker is an established ceramics artist, qualified French chef and archaeologist, based in Cape Town, South Africa. Her archaeological studies focus on ancient Babylonian pottery and food recipes written in 1700 BC. Melissa’s extensive knowledge of Mesopotamian
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