HIWA Arts Development Whakatū and Forsyth Barr proudly present Pushing Clay | Forsyth Barr Contemporary Ceramics Award.

Pushing Clay continues to celebrate the breadth and vitality of contemporary ceramic practice in Aotearoa. The exhibition brings together artists working with clay in inventive and unexpected ways, reflecting the ongoing evolution of a medium with a long and rich history.

Ceramics have played an important role in the development of Whakatū/Nelson’s creative sector, from its strong history of studio pottery through to the diverse practices of artists working here today. Through Pushing Clay, HIWA seeks to acknowledge this legacy while supporting artists to experiment, take risks and extend the possibilities of clay.

Artists were invited to approach the medium freely, with entries required to predominantly feature clay. The resulting works demonstrate the many ways contemporary artists are using clay; from the functional and familiar through to the sculptural, conceptual and experimental.

This year’s exhibition was selected from a strong field of submissions from artists across Aotearoa, offering a snapshot of the depth and diversity of ceramic practice being made today.

We thank all the artists who entered and shared their work with us, and acknowledge Forsyth Barr for their ongoing generosity in supporting this award and contemporary ceramics in Aotearoa.

3rd Oct - 24th Oct