Irish Contemporary Ceramics Collection

 

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IIrish Contemporary Ceramics Collection. rish Contemporary Ceramics Collection. A gallery room with glass cases containing various objects including ceramics and pottery. On either side hung on the walls are framed stained glass pieces.

Display of Irish Contemporary Ceramics Collection at the Hunt Museum

The Irish Contemporary Ceramics Collection (ICCC) is a joint initiative between the Ceramics Department, Limerick School of Art and Design (TUS) and The Hunt Museum. Our key objective is to establish an all-island contemporary ceramic collection – the first of its kind in Ireland. It is envisioned that this collection will grow annually to reflect the richness and creativity of contemporary ceramic practice in Ireland, while complementing the Museum’s diverse holding of historic ceramic artefacts.

To date, fourteen leading Irish ceramic artists have contributed to the collection. Four of the artists explore the vessel form in very different directions; Sara Flynn with consummate levels of control, Jack Doherty with an increasing sense of having left the constrictions of studio pottery behind. Deirdre McLoughlin explores the vessel as dynamic sculpture and Derek Wilson as a form of free and geometric expression, creating complex abstract shapes.

Frances Lambe’s abstract objects are subtly adventurous explorations of hidden aspects of the natural world, while Henry Pim’s ceramic grid reflects the way that information is gathered and processed. Katharine West’s organic form plays with space, light and form, concentrating primarily on the process of making rather than the finished piece.

By contrast, Claire Curneen and Ingrid Murphy’s figurative works focus on narratives, using traditional and contemporary modes of expression respectively; Curneen selects a familiar subject while Murphy integrates digital technology with conventional facture. Cormac Boydell’s design is inspired by Irish history and myth and highlights the integrity of the material and his authentic handling of clay. Susan O’Byrne explores her childhood fascination with animals and their role in explaining the complexities of adult life to children and throughout history in storytelling and folklore.

The Hunt Museum and Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest are proud to be proactive supporters of contemporary artistic practice and thanks the Design and Craft Council of Ireland for their support.

Convex Concave (detail) by Francis Lambe, 2015. In Copyright.

Extended Matter (detail) by Katherine West, 2016. In Copyright.

Guardian Vessel (detail) by Jack Doherty, 2015. In Copyright.