Strange/Familiar is a new exhibition of sculptural ceramics by Nicholas Mullany at Objectspace in Auckland.
Mullany's exhibition consists of several distinctive series of work. One group of works is made by repetitively stacking sheets of clay, which he says he "treats in a manner that is methodical and borders on the neurotic".

Strange/Familiar is a new exhibition of sculptural ceramics by Nicholas Mullany at Objectspace in Auckland.
Mullany's exhibition consists of several distinctive series of work. One group of works is made by repetitively stacking sheets of clay, which he says he "treats in a manner that is methodical and borders on the neurotic".

Writer Christine Whybrew observes that Mullany's works are "reminiscent of Lego creations". Another group of works features a wide selection of amorphic wall mounted objects.

The result of a playful process involving contorting and moulding, Mullany's gestalt gestures are physically self evident in the luscious forms, textures and colours that have resulted from his experiential working processes.

Whybrew notes Mullany's affinities with the well known American modernist painter Cy Twombly as well as ceramic artists Lucia Fontana and Gillian Lowndes, "these artists share an emphasis on intuition and irrationality in the process of making.

Mullany says his working methods enable him "to create objects that are transitional in nature to navigate the often uncanny relationship that exists between the maker and the object."

A print publication for Strange/Familiar will be available for sale at Objectspace. Trained at Otago Polytechnic and based in Christchurch, Mullany is an exciting young maker poised to make his entrance into the New Zealand art scene.

Objectspace is dedicated to supporting innovation in the fields of craft and design and is delighted to be the venue for Nicholas Mullany's first solo exhibition.

Coinciding with Strange/Familiar will be 'The Tomb Of The Unknown Maker', a new window installation by award winning Auckland craft artist, Trudie Kroef. In an age where high-tech gadgets and mass produced luxury items proliferate ceaselessly, it is easy to forget the work of millions of unknown craftsmen who skillfully labour to establish the final forms and materiality of commonly used objects.

Kroef's works for this new installation are lovingly made appropriations of commonly used product designs, for instance the humble stove top espresso maker.

Painstakingly constructed from ceramic and wood, the everyday functionality of these objects may be limited, but the works serve as a paean to the skill of these often unappreciated makers.

Trudie Kroef received CNZ funding to develop this new body of work.

24/06/08