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We’ve all been there at some point in our lives – wondering if there is any real meaning to life. Ceramics artist Els Wenselaers created an unusual bunch of characters in the ‘Sisyphus Work’ collection to explore the question with a hint of humor.
Madame Odeur, ceramics, metal, rubber, glass
As Wenselaers explains, “they perform actions, although they realize that life is without meaning, but they stubbornly refuse to take the escape routes of death or faith. Spraying grass green, air exchange systems which are much too small to have any effect, machines that suck volatile odors, trying with mental control to move a vehicle…. again, and again, and again. Acceptance of the fundamental emptiness is the only thing that’s left.”
Brain Controlled Vehicle, ceramics, metal
The Grass Greener, ceramics, used materials
“My work is characterized by a reflection of contemporary society with a subtle humor and a tendency to idealize.”
Els Wenselaers’ website
Ceramics Now Magazine
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Complex ceramic sculptures of buildings, cars, trucks and roads are Even Hobart’s protest against modern humanity, globalization and corporate greed.
Away We Go
‘Away We Go’, a ceramic polar bear skull with a city built on the scull, is Hobart’s commentary on the overlap of humanity and nature. He builds roads and crams them with cars to represent our dependency on oil. His portfolio is crammed too – with more powerful statements about our world.
Away We Go, detail
Away We Go, detail
Away We Go, detail
Away We Go, detail
I used to be able to hear the ocean from my bedroom window
I used to be able to hear the ocean from my bedroom window, detail
“Bumper to bumper traffic, war, pollution and the over-developed, excessive life style we live often distress me, and I am compelled to comment on these conditions. My work addresses these contemporary issues and is a reflection of my position as a participant in this society.”
Evan Hobart’s website
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