Works from some of the country’s best ceramic artists will be on show at West Auckland’s brand new Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery from 7 November 2015 – 8 February 2016.
Works from some of the country’s best ceramic artists will be on show at West Auckland’s brand new Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery from 7 November 2015 – 8 February 2016.
After two years of construction, and many more years planning, Te Uru, the new, purpose-built gallery that now sits proudly alongside the refurbished Lopdell House, will open on Saturday 1 November. There is full day of public activities and tours throughout the Lopdell Precinct, and more talks and events on Sunday 2 November.
One of Te Uru’s opening exhibitions showcases the 2014 Portage Ceramic Awards finalists’ works. This year’s awards judge, Takeshi Yasuda says he attempted to understand each maker’s idea, journey into their aesthetics and intent, when he selected the exhibition works.
“The finalist’s works rose above the rest in a way that engaged, rewarded, communicated and spoke to me. Some are quietly understated works, others are more strident pieces.
“Each of the finalists demonstrates a command of the clay and a mastery of technique.”
The Awards attracted more than 260 entries from ceramicists all over the country.
The 50 finalist works selected for exhibiting at Te Uru vary in size from fingernail-minute to multi-piece, metre-high installations, and range in colour from porcelain white to eye-popping psychedelic.
The exhibiting artists are short-listed for the coveted Premier Portage Ceramic Award which carries a prize of $15,000. The winner will be announced at a ceremony held at Te Uru at 7.00pm on Thursday 6 November.
In addition to the Premier Portage Award, the winner of a scholarship to participate in a workshop programme at Peters Valley School of Craft in New Jersey, USA will be announced.
Up to six merit awards and a People’s Choice Award will also be given this year. Entry forms for the public to vote for this Award are available at the exhibition.
Tickets to the ceremony are available for purchase. Go to www.teuru.org.nz/portage for details.
Established in 2001, The Portage Ceramic Awards are New Zealand’s premier showcase for the ceramic sector. Administered by Te Uru and funded by The Trust’s Community Foundation, the awards are the country’s best known barometer identifying our finest ceramic artists.
The annual awards and exhibition provide a vital platform to showcase the diversity of ceramic artists nationwide.
Media Release: Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery