From stilettos to sheep: the bizarre and wonderful ceramic art on show in London

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. ceramic / səˈræm ɪk / (adj.) – relating to something that is made from clay that has been formed and baked at a very high temperature until it becomes hard
    Example:

    Someone should have high-level skills to make an expensive-looking ceramic vase.


  2. high-end / ˈhaɪˈɛnd / (adj.) – very expensive and of better quality
    Example:

    She purchased a high-end camera for professional photography.


  3. exhibit / ɪgˈzɪb ɪt / (v.) – to make something like a painting, sculpture, etc., available for people to see
    Example:

    The art gallery will exhibit photographs taken by young and local photographers.


  4. run / rʌn / (n.) – a continuous series of exhibitions or performances
    Example:

    The band had a three-day run during the week-long music festival.


  5. have a go / hæv ə goʊ / (idiom) – to try to do something
    Example:

    Despite being nervous, she decided to have a go at rock climbing for the first time.


Article

Read the text below.

Ceramic stilettos and a matching handbag are two of the many artworks on show at Ceramic Art London, the largest high-end ceramics show in the UK. 116 artists were selected to exhibit from 20 countries around the world, and from as far as Guatemala, Japan, and South Korea.


2024 marks the 20th anniversary since the first Ceramic Arts London. And it is a place for potters to display and sell their works. Over 6,000 people attended across the three-day run, with ceramic works on sale from as little as £20, all the way up to £20,000.


Artists are selected to exhibit at Ceramic Art London. And this year, there were over 700 applications. It is an important show to get your name on the international scene, so Ana Silva came all the way from Guatemala to have her work seen in London.


Her cute pieces are inspired by the landscapes of her home country and also by sheep. She says: “My work, it’s inspired in Guatemalan landscapes and I have different elementsthe animals, the sheep, especially this one with the little feet. And also I am representing the plants and the mountains with these green pieces.” 


Worm-like tentacles and gaping mouths form part of the collection by South Korean potter Shinhye You.


They are parasitic-like creatures from a magical realist fictional world she has imagined and written about. Shinhye You says, “So basically because these stones were inside the dead people’s body, so they are like parasites. So they will kind of mimic these aspects of parasites because they will consume the body of the dead. So I think that’s why you’ve got this mouthy aspect.”


At the show were 1.5 tons of free clay for any beginners feeling inspired by what they see to have a go themselves.


Ceramic Art London ran from April 19-21 at London’s Olympia exhibition hall.


This article was provided by The Associated Press. 


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Based on prices varying from £20 to £20,000 at Ceramic Art London, why do you think people are prepared to spend such huge amounts of money for unique ceramic artwork? What kind of artwork would you be willing to spend a lot of money on (ex. unique or limited edition pieces, customized art)? Why? Discuss.
  • What do you think makes an artwork important or valuable (ex. cultural representation, emotional impact)? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think that an artist’s ability to be seen at international art events is important to their long-term success? Why or why not? If you were an artist, in which country would you like your artwork to be seen? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the benefits and challenges for your local artists if they participate in international art events (ex. benefit: exposure and recognition, challenge: tight competition)? Discuss.