TORONTO, Ontario––The highlight of Gardiner Museum’s recent New + Now exhibition––formerly the annual 12 Trees exhibition––a celebration of national and international ceramics in support of the museum’s clay education and outreach programs, was Toronto-based artist’s David R. Harper’s Zodiac installation.
Featured image: David R. Harper, Taurus, 2018, Porcelain, glaze, horn, industrial felt, latex, aluminum, rubber coating, polyurethane, cast acrylic, flocking
November 16, 2018 though January 6, 2019, Harper’s dramatic celestial series featured 12 works––each inspired by a different astrological sign––for visitors to discover as they made their way through the museum
As the Harper explains, he wanted visitors to use his metaphysical symbology to consider their own psychologies.
“I want people to be able to see themselves, based on their zodiac characteristics, in some way in the work.”
Harper is known for his innovative marriage of traditional and non-traditional materials like ceramics, embroidery, stained glass, rubber, salt, charcoal and even dehydrated milk in his installations.
Harper’s works can be found in a number of notable collections including at The Museum of Arts and Design, the National Gallery of Canada, and The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia.
Love or loathe this ceramic installation from the world of contemporary ceramic art and and contemporary ceramics? Sound off in the comments section below.
love the birds