Dates: 8 May — 24 May, Opening Fri 8 May 2015 6pm

Back to Back Galleries presents a group of fibre and clay artists/makers that have come together to explore the ideas and aesthetics of the notion of “shibui”. A mixed media exhibition to be opened by special guest, from Ian Potter Museum of Art, Ron Ramsey.

Curator Kathy Heinrich writes: What is shibui? According to W.G. von Krenner: The Japanese have a special word to describe the bitter taste one experiences after biting into an unripe persimmon. This taste called shibui, has a meaning far beyond taste. Shibui is sometimes translated as rustic simplicity or austere elegance. It is an aesthetic concept that rejects kitsch and tasteless elaboration. Elizabeth Gordon, wrote that shibui “describes a profound, unassuming, quiet feeling. It is unobtrusive and unostentatious. It may have hidden attainments but they are not paraded or displayed. The form is simple and must have been arrived at with an economy of means. Shibui is never complicated or contrived.” A group of artists and makers, some working in clay, some fibre and some both, have come together for this exhibition to interpret shibui in a contemporary way that references this time and place and the simple beauty of handmade objects. The exhibition will be curated by Kathy Heinrich and Helen Stronach.

57 Bull Street, Cooks Hill
Phone 4929 3677
www.newcastlepotters.org.au
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11am-5pm