The tantalising world of ceramics

In one-of-its-kind event, Delhi Blue Pottery Trust is holding the ‘International Ceramic Conclave’, comprising the artworks of 24 eminent ceramists from 12 countries including Belgium, Ireland,  Russia, Korea, Spain, Czech Republic and Japan, at the Indian Habitat Centre. The conclave features exhibition, seminar and workshops spread over 10 days with presentations, slideshows and demonstrations.

“The event offers a unique opportunity for interaction with each of the artists, as they will be present at the show. The Trust hopes to promote a sense of collaboration and an atmosphere of mutual learning by enabling Indian artists and visitors to study the inspirations, styles, challenges and obstacles of their international counterparts as well as gain an insight into their cultural and social backgrounds,” said Anuradha Ravindranath of the Delhi Blue Pottery Trust.

On its first day, the exhibition witnessed a number of enthusiasts taking notes
and interacting with the international ceramists.

Vineet Kacker, a Delhi-based Ceramic artist, said that the event is the first-of-its kind aimed at bringing together contemporary master of world ceramics. “There is such diversity at display here. One can see artworks from European countries which are more contemporary in nature while ceramics from Japan and Korea are more raw and focussed on nature and the traditional lifestyle of East-Asian countries,” said Kacker.

Born and brought up in Austria, Regina Heinz, a London-based ceramic artist was on her second trip to India and seemed to be jubilant looking at the reception artists like her have received so far.  Talking about her work, Regina said, “I love colour in general and the richness, depth and texture of ceramic colour in particular. I am in love with the gesture or act of using the brush on ceramics.” Besides being trained in pottery, Regina is also a trained painter thus bringing two of her skills to merge into the ceramic world. Her inspirations she said came from the architecture of her native village
Salsburg (Austria).

The exhibition also attracted several Russian artists including Elena Mach who displayed Matryoshika, a Russian souvenir made on a potter’s wheel and painted with coloured enamel and glaze. One of her works, named ‘The Church’, in particular, attracted many among those who had come to visit. “On the left, there are adults, praying. On the right, there is a boy who is a symbol of young Russia which is now at the crossroads, but still it belongs to the history,” Elana said.

The event will be on at the Visual Art Gallery of India Habitat Centre till November 30.