The Strangeness of Clay

Strange Clay is the first large-scale exhibition in the UK exploring how contemporary artists have used clay in unexpected ways. Featuring 23 international artists working across recent decades, the exhibition examines the plasticity and the possibilities of ceramics.
A visual report from London.
Jonathan Baldock

The artworks on show encompass fantastical creatures and uncanny representations of the everyday, as well as ranging from small abstract works to large-scale installations that take the medium beyond the kiln. Strange Clay explores the possibilities of thinking through making. The artworks vary in scale, finish and technique, and address topics that range from architecture, to social justice, the body, the domestic and the organic. While contributing to the broadening dialogue between art and craft, this exhibition provides a closer look at this tactile medium.

Betty Woodman, detail
Shahpour Pouyan

The exhibition features works by Aaron Angell, Salvatore Arancio, Leilah Babirye, Jonathan Baldock, Lubna Chowdhary, Edmund de Waal, Emma Hart, Liu Jianhua, Rachel Kneebone, Serena Korda, Klara Kristalova, Beate Kuhn, Takuro Kuwata, Lindsey Mendick, Ron Nagle, Magdalene Odundo, Woody De Othello, Grayson Perry, Shahpour Pouyan, Ken Price, Brie Ruais, Betty Woodman and David Zink Yi.

Lubna Chowdhary
Liu Jianhua, detail
The Strangeness of Clay
Liu Jianhua
Lindsey Mendick
Lindsey Mendick
Lindsey Mendick
Lindsey Mendick
Lindsey Mendick, detail
Brie Ruais
Beate Kuhn
Salvatore Arancio
Ron Nagle
Rachel Kneebone. Detail
Salvatore Arancio
David Zink Yi
The Strangeness of Clay
David Zink Yi
Serena Korda
Klara Kristalova
Klara Kristalova
Klara Kristalova
Klara Kristalova
David Zink Yi
Takuro Kuwata
Takuro Kuwata. Detail
Edmund de Waal
Edmund de Waal
Grayson Perry
Grayson Perry
Grayson Perry
Grayson Perry
Woody De Othello
Leilah de Babirye
The Strangeness of Clay
STRANGE CLAY – Ceramics in Contemporary Arts on show until 08.01.2023 at Hayward Gallery in London.