Claybia – 'Amphora for the second fire exit in Watsons Place #1', 2023

Analysis of material found at 37°48'57.0"S 144°58'05.1"E Naarm.

The receding shoreline had revealed several archaeological scatter sites protruding from the urban stratum. A total of 187 artefacts were uncovered at the excavation site. Basaltic soil conditions had facilitated excellent preservation of the organic remains, primarily shells, bones and ossified fruit rinds, along with abundant examples of material culture including spongy bark-like plugs and paper tubes containing cellulose acetate, ash and vegetal stuffing; along with a monstrous relic which have been sent for chemical analysis.

The morphology suggests this was a significant individual depositional event and further study will provide new insights into the urban feasting rituals of the early Anthropocene.

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CLAYBIA is the collaboration between Molly O’Shaughnessy and Cassandra Chilton whose practice is centred around non-traditional ceramic sculpture. We make ceramic art installations that explore the dark side of life, feminism, the everyday, the misshapen, the peculiar. Our motto is Dark Ceramics for Dark Times.

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Jugs

May 6- June 24

Read about the exhibition.

Jugs is part of Melbourne Design Week 2023, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.

Material: stoneware,glaze

Dimensions: approx. 24 x 13 x 14cm