Civic ceramics: Shifting the center of meaning

Abstract

The title ‘Civic Ceramics’ refers to a growing number of practices that concertedly ‘shift the center of meaning’ from the artwork itself, to the activity of a viewer’s interaction, investment and sense of ownership over it. From work that explores the thematic overlaps in ceramics knowledge and studio skill base with its use in society, to practitioners employing ceramic practice as part of direct social engagement, the mapping of coordinates between ‘civic’ and ‘ceramics’ enables clear identification of a growing and increasingly innovative movement.