Ceramics | Alison Coaten
‘Tender and intriguing’ figurative sculptures from British ceramicist Alison Coaten are among the exciting new works in our gallery this summer
Visitors to our Ealing gallery this summer will already have had the delight of seeing the spectacular clay art of ceramicist Alison Coaten.
Tender, often deeply moving, figurative sculptures nestle alongside folkloric animal icons in our lower exhibition room, The Inside Space.
Although we have long featured the work of Alison, this latest collection represents an exciting shift in scale and form. Fascinated by the human desire to make sense of existence through religion, fable and myth, Alison works from her studio in Hough-on-the-Hill, Lincolnshire, to explore our obsession with the creation of physical icons and idols.
Hand-built in stoneware and earthenware, each pieces has several layers of slips and glazes, with areas left bare creating surface textures then defined with inks.
Alison uses glass eyes often intended for taxidermy to achieve viscerally familiar figures. Her most recent pieces explore humankind’s relationship with animals and play with the Madonna and child images found in Flemish art and the reserve heads of Ancient Egypt.
We are pleased to say that the response to Alison’s work has been so enthusiastic that we are extending her stay in The Inside Space throughout the summer. Do pop by our Ealing gallery to see these exquisite pieces in person. In the meantime, for more on Alison and a link to her online catalogue see here.
