Inspired by her international residency in Tel Aviv, award-winning ceramicist Avi Amesbury’s new solo exhibition celebrates the notion of place in the artist’s life.
Country—Ancient Lands is about places in Australia and sites in Israel where Avi completed a six-week residency in late 2017 at the Benyamini Contemporary Ceramic Centre.
Country has specific significance to indigenous Australians’ deeply spiritual connection to the land. The solo exhibition comprises four of Avi’s series, including: Bogong High Plains to the Coast; Monaro to the Coast Series; Coast Series; and the Makhtesh Series.
In Bogong High Plains to the Coast, the three elements—a cube, flower and sponge made of clay—present the possibilities for activating memory that comes from connections to the land.
While in Tel Aviv, Avi travelled extensively collecting soils and clays, including to the Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert. Her Makhtesh Series showcases the colours and textures of the desert and exotic vegetation.
The exhibition was opened by Dr Julie Bartholomew, Head of Ceramics, ANU School of Art and Design.
Avi has participated in 35 exhibitions and festivals since 2006, across Australia and overseas, including in Japan, Croatia, Scotland, Hungary and Israel. Her work is also in many public and private collections and art galleries.
Catch the exhibition at Sturt Gallery and Studios, Mittagong.
