SCREECH! A little history of loud ceramics

A far cry from the brown pots of studio pottery we’re familiar with, the makers in Screech take their cues from subjects like raging rockstars, other-worldly paintings and imaginary creatures.

Amongst the colourful chaos of these ceramic sculptures, you’ll find a man doing a handstand, a politically incorrect clown and some wayward eyeballs. Their makers look beyond use and form to explore pop culture, social dynamics and mythology.

Borrowing its name from a work by nationally renowned ceramic artist, Bronwynne Cornish, this little history of loud ceramics brings together work by 28 arists from the collections held at Te Manawa, with others  from our neighbours at The Rick Rudd Foundation and Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics in Whanganui and The Dowse Art Museum in Te Awakairangi Lower Hutt.

With thanks to The Blumhardt Foundation, who helped us purchase nine new works for our permanent collection—which will make their first appearance in Screech.