Foundation Preview Event
Foundation members and guests enjoyed exclusive access to the Gallery on Monday 8 April for a tour of the SODEISHA: connected to Australiaexhibition complemented by a preview of collection pieces by Shoji Hamada, the most celebrated Japanese potter of the 20th century.
Newcastle Art Gallery is fortunate to have one of the most significant ceramics collections in Australia including the largest collection of Sodeisha, literally translated as “crawling through mud”, avante guard ceramics in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 30 guests were welcomed by Gallery Director Lauretta Morton before joining gallery staff James Collis and Sarah Johnson for a unique insight into the 3 year process of curating this stunning exhibition and working with artists across Australia and Japan.
The gallery hand-selected important Hamada pieces for the event as a counterpoint to the Sodeisha exhibition to give members added insight into contemporary international ceramics history and practice. This provided a fascinating opportunity for guests to compare and contrast the various works and artistic approaches on exhibit. Collections and Exhibitions Officer Lisa Kirkpatrick lead the Hamada discussion and Tobias Spitzer provided a technical overview of Hamadas stunning glazing techniques.
A tasty lunch of sandwiches and sushi was served downstairs after the tour providing an opportunity for further discussion and networking.
The event was a wonderful celebration of the depth and vitality of Newcastle Art Gallery’s world-class collection. Many of the pieces on display were gifted to the gallery, again highlighting the rich legacy and vital importance of Foundation membership and benefaction.
Images
James Collis with preview guests
Lisa Kirkpatrick discussing the Gallery’s collection Shoji Hamada
