National Glass Centre

Kith and Kin: New Glass and Ceramics

11 November 2011 - 19 February 2012

This exhibition brings together contemporary artworks from two creative ‘families’ – glass and ceramics. Both share traditions, affinities and histories.

Glass and ceramics have strong roots in the North East of England and have been taught together at the University of Sunderland for many years. This exhibition has emerged from the Glass and Ceramics Department and the new work shown was made in our world-class workshops.

‘Friends’ and ‘acquaintances’ from the art world have also been invited to create a diverse and often surprising take on glass and ceramics.  For example, Nick Renshaw offers an alternative view of human experience through his ceramic figures, which with their ambiguous forms and telling expressions are ideal objects on which to project one’s own emotions.  James Maskrey updates traditional glass blowing and its history of commemoration with his humorous families of vessels based on famous explorations.

Relationships between family and friends change over time and the same is true of an artist’s relationship to ideas and materials.  To reflect this, we have offered the unique opportunity for these artists to evolve their work throughout the exhibition.

Visitors to this exhibition will also be able to view examples of the strong heritage of glass and ceramics in Sunderland in the new Sunderland Room.

Curated by Prof. Peter Davies and Prof. Kevin Petrie, Institute for International Research in Glass and Ceramic Art Research Centre, University of Sunderland