Glenn Barkley – 'Itstotallyathing Amphora', 2022

These vessels of mine are based on Chinese Amphora forms dating from the Tang Dynasty. These were in turn inspired by Roman glass vessels that had made their way to China through the Silk Road.

I have included on two of the vessels some texts - 'youvegoteverythingnow' relates to the trauma of losing my old studio space the other 'itsatotalvibe' relates to the way that classicism pervades contemporary life and ceramics this in turn relates to the role that European classical ideals have played in the colonial project and its ongoing role in white supremacy another link between the two pots. The handles of the three relate to a medieval ivory carving in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY known as the Bury St Edmonds cross and are budding twigs as if growing for the cross of the crucificion symbolising new life and change.

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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: earthernware

Dimensions: approx. 43 x 17 x 6.5cm