Exhibition runs from 5 – 27 May, 2016
Everard Read London | T: +44 (0)20 7590 9991 | anna@everardlondon.com
80 Fulham Road, London SW3 6HR | www.everardlondon.com
Modern and contemporary art from Southern Africa
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THE WOLF IS ALWAYS NEAR
This collection of 22 new vases takes its title from a Russian lullaby. Like the vases themselves, the title offers a dual interpretation. It references predation – the very real fear in South Africa of violent crime, physical attack. It also, somewhat humorously, examines my own career as a contemporary artist – the pressure to create artworks that are “worthy” pieces, and the fear of failure in this regard.
Themes of beauty and violence are woven throughout my work. I am aware that the objects I create are very beautiful – the vases are alluring, they glisten. But there is also a rawness that stems from the harsh ceramic process that is visible in the final piece. The themes of beauty and violence will be recognisable to anyone who has been to South Africa. It’s a country with staggering natural beauty but also one of the biggest gaps between rich and poor anywhere in the world, although here the divide is largely determined by race. We have a heavy history of repression. Our society is violent. I am constantly reminded of the violence around me and every story brings with it with it huge insecurities. This environment profoundly influences my practice.
Ceramics is my addiction and my use of humour in my work is partly a response to my intense relationship with an unforgiving medium. I use humour, irony and mockery as a way of asking authentic questions, some of which can make the viewer feel uneasy; unclear whether my questions are serious or not. This ambivalence is intentional. And, of course, part of the humour is mocking myself.
Lucinda Mudge
2017
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