Down to earth

On show through May 6 at Tel Aviv’s Periscope Gallery is a delicate yet powerful exhibition of ceramic creations by Shamai Gibsh. The solo exhibition, “bodyblaze,” highlights Gibsh’s innovative techniques and thought-provoking concepts.

“Shamai Gibsh’s work transforms clay into conceptual objects that fluctuate between abstract and form” says exhibition curator Reuven Porat.

Gibsh is an Israeli artist, educator and world traveler who examines and reinvents various ceramics practices. Gibsh employs a handful of unique and historic techniques, the most prominent of which is “terra sigillata.”

“Terra sigillata is an ancient Hellenistic technique that involves painting a thin layer of earth onto the piece, which once fired acts as a seal and gives the surface sheen” says Gibsh.

Gibsh takes this early method a step further, by incorporating his personal travel experiences into his craft by gathering earth abroad for use in his sculptures.

“I travel around the world and collect clay” says Gibsh. “I will use the samples of earth from multiple countries in a single sculpture, and it is as if I am creating a new country made of unified earth from many nations.”

Gibsh takes the viewer on a journey to ancient times and around the globe with this unique exhibition.

“Exemplifying different methods of alternative firing, Gibsh transgresses the traditional and anticipated, and creates an approach in which the fire emblazes the body and the body blazes the fire” says Porat.

For more info on the exhibit call (03) 522-6815.