Elemental

The pre-Socratic philosopher Empedocles first proposed the idea that the world rests upon four fundamental building blocks: air, earth, fire, and water. Ceramics has always had a special relationship to these elements because they are essential for all ceramic creation.

The artists in this exhibition, Susannah Biondo-Gemmel, Del Harrow, Linda Swanson, and Paula Winokur, offer contemporary responses to the ancient theme of the elements, with each artist focusing on a different element. Their works address a wide range of artistic and social concerns, from the metaphorical equation of ceramic vessels with the human body to the environmental linkage between “earth” and “the Earth.”

In conjunction with the exhibition, an artist panel and gallery talk will take place. The panel will be moderated by the exhibition's curator Robert Silberman and held in the Influx Room at the Regis Center for Art on the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus, on Thursday, March 14, from 6 – 8 p.m. The gallery talk will take place at Northern Clay Center, in the Main Gallery, on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. These are free events, but space is limited, so call 612.339.8007 to reserve your seat.