April 3 - May 31, 2009

The ASU Museum of Anthropology is proud to present a contemporary ceramics exhibition, Simply Formal. This exhibition runs in conjunction with the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) annual conference, Apr. 8 - 11, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona.

This exhibition addresses the beauty of simplicity. The question can be asked, “When is form enough?”

“Simply Formal” is unique in its elegance and sophistication. The artists were thoughtfully selected for the legacy of their work over many years. Their enduring attention to the effect of form in balance with other attributes speaks to their extraordinary understanding of the sense of presence that beautiful form embodies.

Contemporary clay transcends the functional spectrum, embraces the figure, and abounds with decorative possibilities. Through its infinitely malleable potential it becomes a material of art that is increasingly difficult to define. Technical advancements allow for material combinations, controls in forming, and new surface manipulations that redefine what is possible.  

Historically, clay has so much to offer.  More than metal or stone, it was readily available —cultures throughout the world used clay for storage and food service. Simultaneously, it was a material for objects of ritual use, cultural significance, and architectural prominence.  Important in both daily life and ceremony, pottery became an icon for the rich history of many cultures. It is a great tradition to inherit the classical treasures of many societies that share the Golden Mean — a legacy of visuals that continue to seep through and enrich our lives.

This exhibition, with an underlying element of historical reverence, steps away from the myriad of concepts that dominate the mainstream. The exhibition brings together artists who seek and embrace beauty in the power and strength of form. They share a consummate challenge to let the simplicity of form, be it quietly elegant or decisively dramatic, carry the work to completion.  While form is never isolated from the surface, scale or content, it can be the driving force.  When the stature of the work is fundamentally based on formal considerations, then it can be simply enough.

ASU museum anthropology students in the exhibit design and development graduate seminar taught by Judy Newland, will be adding an educational component to this exhibition using objects from the School’s whole pot archaeological collection. The small exhibition will be entitled Past Forms.

Artists
Jeff Oestreich | Ellen Shankin | Chris Gustin | Tom Coleman | Mark Hewitt | Bill Griffith | David Crane | Tom Turner | Michael Simon | Susan Filley | Donna Craven | Kerry Moosman

Exhibit Organized by Susan Filley.

Read the ASU News article by Rebecca Howe.

Download the Press Release.

Download the Educational Materials.

Featured ceramic by Tom Coleman.