Ceramic voices rise at Joburg’s Design Week with new showcase

Standout South African ceramics to be showcased at 100% Design Africa

When ceramics aren’t purely functional – like pottery mugs and jugs – and push into the realm of art, they make for interesting objects of contemplation and conversation. Each winter, House Union Block (HUB), in collaboration with Spier Arts Trust (SAT) and Spier Wine Farm, puts on an exhibition of pieces by artists from across the country, placing ceramic art in the spotlight. Be inspired with 100% Design South Africa

Grounded Practice

This year’s exhibition – the 3rd iteration in the annual series – is called Grounded Practice, and it opened at the Old Wine Cellar at Spier Wine Farm at the end of May. Now, for the first time, a capsule collection curated for 100% Design Africa and which includes pieces from Grounded Practice, will travel to the Sandton Convention Centre from 24 to 27 July, giving Gautengers a chance to view and acquire pieces too.

The initial format of Grounded Practice brought together 63 ceramic artworks by 42 exceptional artists. ‘Ceramics often fly under the radar in the fine art world,’ says curator Tamlin Blake, Chief Curator at SAT. ‘This show proves just how innovative and relevant they can be.’ For the 100% Design Africa display booth, SAT has chosen 23 artworks by 18 artists.

Bringing clay to the stage

These powerful pieces explore ideas of balance, belonging and sustainability, all through the grounding medium of clay. They reflect each artist’s emotional and creative responses to a rapidly shifting world, while also celebrating the meditative and healing qualities of the medium. ‘Clay is an ancient and deeply symbolic material,’ says Blake. ‘It connects us physically to the land and offers a powerful space for reflection and regeneration.

‘Our goal with the annual Spier winter ceramics show is to provide a platform to increase visibility for artists and this art form, which traditionally is considered a craft, rather than fine art,’ says Mirna Wessels, CEO of SAT. ‘We will extend the impact through participation in 100% Design Africa 2025 and hope to not only give the artists exposure, but also to achieve sales on their behalf.’

Members of the public who have purchased a Decorex Joburg ticket will be able to access the exhibition, and all artworks will be on sale at HUB/SAT’s stand.