Common ground: Indian Ceramics Triennale bends the rules of traditional clay artistry in New Delhi

With the damp, petrichor smell of clay, we reminisce about a varied medley of textures, traditions, people and history. This nimble material not only preserves the traditional attire of historic India but also breathes the idea of how vases and amphoras showcase the significant status of clay in countries such as Greece, Portugal and Italy since centuries. Enveloping the idea of art that takes place with the commonality of a singular medium, clay, Common Ground, the second edition of Indian Ceramics Triennale arrives at Arthshila, a multi-arts space in New Delhi.

Emerging as a destination, the exhibition supported by JSW approaches artistry of clay with the decisive rules of methodology, technology and tradition. An assembly of artists from South Asia and around the world, challenges the limitations of clay that eventually builds a sanctuary of artworks as a revolution. 

The exploration of ceramics

A two month long exploration of ceramic and clay art, with 34 projects by more than 60 artists from over 12 countries takes place in Arthshila, a space that facilitates artistic expressions while portraying engaging creative experiences as its backdrop.

Art curators, Anjani Khanna, Madhvi Subrahmanian, Neha Kudchadkar, Reyaz Badaruddin, Sharbani Das Gupta and Vineet Kacker weave together a mix of works that elevate a renewed perspective of age-old traditions of ceramics to adapt in the silhouettes of new age practises.

A celebration of intricate artistry takes place at Arthshila with a walkthrough of the triennale’s inclusive programming, from symposium sessions and artist demonstrations to curated films and workshops. The speakers from all around the world mark their presence at the Indian Ceramics Triennale, including Elaine Henry from the USA, Andrew Burton from the UK, Shashank Nimkar from Ahmedabad and Dr Pheroza Godrej from Mumbai.

Indian Ceramics Triennale: Behind the scenes 

Artists bend the rules of clay-making with works that pursue an idea with their own personal touch to make various forms of creations that are marshalled in one medium. Artists such as Copper Sounds, Dhruvi Acharya, Efrat Eyal, Eliza Au, Heidi McKenzie, Hayley Coulthard, Rona Rubuntja, Anita Mbitjana Ratara, Alizha Panangka Coulthard, Dawn Ngala Wheeler, Beth Mbitjana Inkamala, Abel Pareroultja, Claire Pareroultja, Shirley Wheeler, Andrea Pungarta Rontji (Hermannsburg Potters), Kate Roberts and Kavita Pandya Ganguly amongst many others bring together an idea of various traditions to one single place. 

Clay through the eyes of many artists

While we also experience the works of some Indian artists such as Ankon Mitra at the Indian Ceramics Triennale, the internationally acclaimed architect and artist, who specialises in folds of origami through various techniques. Alongside Revati Jayakrishnan, the founder of Rare Studios, a practice in Haryana that specialises in ceramics and glass, creating an interplay between clay and paper.

Asish Chowdhury uses clay as a vehicle for interrogations of the complexities portraying the harsh realities of modern life.

Birender Kumar Yadav expresses the labour, life, pain, struggle and beauty that characterises this particular social stratum through the medium of clay. Kavita Pandya Ganguly is a ceramic artist, co-founder of Ochre Ceramics and Pottery. While her expertise lies in various ceramic techniques, she has mastered the Japanese surface technique called Nerikomi and has also participated in various art shows.

Lastly, Creative Dignity, an innovative collaboration that brings together a group of potters namely, Lota Ismailbhai Husen, and Kumbhar Alimamad Dhavad from Kutch, and Santosh and Rakhi Warekar from the Warak Cluster showcase a demonstration by experimenting with clay mixes, firing techniques, and new forms to showcase rooting the traditional beliefs. 

A walk through the theme of Common Grounds at Indian Ceramics Triennale feels like a cluster of the thoughts that sculpt each ceramic piece to be a marvel in its own. Making clay the crux of art, this triennale not only pieces together the history, but also weaves a collaborative approach towards clay-making. 

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