NEW DEAD LINE 20 GIUGNO 2018
Ceramics in a Circle
Foreword
In Italian, “cerchio” (circle) is the diminutive of “circolo”, which comes from the Latin word circus,
from the Greek kìrkos or ring, and from the Indo-European root *kr, meaning “to revolve, to move
around”.
The circle represents a code of existential geometry that is worth rediscovering. Nothing is left out
of the circle. Every point is equidistant from the centre. It is complete, yet can be moved around
infinitely. It “unrolls”, yet comes back.
And what form does ceramics have if not this circular form that is re-born and that dies again,
always remaining the same, and that has constantly been with man but has changed with man as
well?
So like a round table, Ceramics in a Circle aims to restore a sense of democracy: the artist is invited
to compare and express him/herself through a new minimal common denominator, taking a distance
from his/her possible creation and at the same time installing it in a context that reflects the
circularity of this project.
A preview of the project will take place in Faenza, during Argillà Italia 2018. The second
location will be in Milan, at Gabriella Sacchi’s Laboratorio/Spazio Nibe, dates TBA.
The Project
The project has been put forward by Evandro Gabrieli and Gabriella Sacchi, with the support of
Keramos Associazione Culturale (Rome) and Gabriella Sacchi’s Laboratorio NIBE (Milan), and
promoted by CiE (Ceramica in Espansione) and CiC (Contemporary Italian Ceramics). Ceramics in
a Circle is a brainchild of Evandro Gabrieli, and welcomes all artists who use clay as a medium.
After the travelling group installation CUBE compressi, it again aims for a collective project, while
at the same time highlighting each individual artist’s contribution. The intention of Ceramics in a
Circle is not only visibility through the realization of a three dimensional work in ceramics, but also
to photograph and reflect on the world of contemporary ceramics, raising the following questions:
• What ceramics is around today?
• How do artists represent it and how are they represented?
• What techniques are used and what are the messages they holds?
• What has been lost, modified of changed in the way this age-old material is used?
The works
1. All of the selected artists will be bound by the form of the circle, a sort of enclosed ring with
a diameter of 25 cm and 10 cm in height. With this circular form, the artist will express
his/her idea and sensibility, but unlike the group installation CUBE compressi, there is also
the possibility of looking “through ceramics” – and not only metaphorically.
2. For the installation, a suspended format for the works has been contemplated: transparent
cords will be used to hold the works at eye level, thus favouring a circular itinerary. Viewers
will not only be able to see the works from every point of view (360°), they will also be able
to “see through” the work. We think that this metaphor, as well as the fact that the works
will be arranged in an unusual aerial dimension, might stimulate reflection among the
participating artists as well as those who visit the exhibition. Next to each work there will be
a label with the author’s name and a brief text.
Considering the fact that the aerial installation might not be possible to carry out in the
location that the organizers have made available, participating artists must foresee the
possibility of showing the works on a flat surface.
The Jury
Photographs and applications will be reviewed by a jury that will choose 30 artists. The jury will be
composed of the following members:
- Giovanni Mirulla, Director of D'A -Design & Artigianato- and La Ceramica Moderna &
Antica
- Silvia Imperiale, Free-lance editor and blogger who founded the magazine La ceramica in
Italia e nel mondo in 2008, holding the position of Director until 2011. Communications –
with special attention to art and contemporary artisanry is her field.
- Domenico Iaracà, classicist by training, teaches and collaborates with contemporary art
journals. He has curated various important ceramics exhibitions.
- Gabriella Sacchi, ceramicist, founder of Laboratorio/Spazio Nibe in Milan and member of
the Accademia Internazionale della Ceramica
- Evandro Gabrieli, ceramist, co-founder of the Associazione Culturale Keramos in Rome
and blogger for CiE (Ceramica in Espansione) and CiC (Contemporary Italian Ceramics)
How to participate
Create a three-dimensional work in ceramics. It must be circular, and with the following
dimensions: diameter 25 cm; height 10 cm.
The work can also contain materials that are not strictly ceramics. In any event, the work must not
exceed 30 cm.
The artist must consider that the work may be installed in an aerial setting, or it may lay flat.
Artists can apply by filling in the entry form, adding the required photographs and paying the 30
Euro fee to help cover secretarial costs.
Shipping costs of the selected works will be paid by the participating artist, to and from the
locations indicated by the project organizers.
The works must be shipped and delivered with proper packaging, which will be used whenever the
works are moved.
All of the works will be examined and chosen by the jury. On the basis of the score received, the
photographs, and the entry form sent in a timely fashion, 30 artists will be chosen for the
installation.
Only the works chosen by the jury will be admitted to the final exhibition phase of the project,
and they will be exhibited the best possible way according to time and space available.
The organization has not foreseen any sort of insurance, and takes not responsibility for possible
accidental damage or theft of works submitted. During the exhibitions, constant care and attention
to the works will be guaranteed.
The work may be placed on sale at the price indicated by the artist on the application. Sales are not
obligatory.
The works will be given back only when the exhibitions have ended at the locations indicated.
In order to be able to present an application, a fee of 30.00 Euros is requested as a donation to
contribute to secretarial costs.
A digital catalogue is planned, and so a printed flyer.
In taking part in the project, the artists authorize the release and treatment of personal data and
digital material sent to the organization.
In Conclusion
1 Create a work in ceramics according to the specifications stipulated above
2 Photograph the work against a neutral background with a resolution of 300 pixel and a
horizontal format. Include at least two photographs from different angles.
3 Pay the 30.00 euro fee to “Donazione per l’adesione al progetto La Ceramica in Circolo”
by bank draft or post pay (IBAN IT75F0760105138282053782056). Include your name, too.
4 Send the receipt along with the application and photographs to:
laceramicaincircolo@gmail.com
ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE RECEIVED AT
laceramicaincircolo@gmail.com BY 1 JUNE 2018
By 1 July 2018, the selected artists will be contacted by email by the organizers, who will indicate
details of shipping to Argillà Italia 2018.
The chosen works must be shipped or delivered to the places and at the times that will be
announced by the organizers. Packaging must be suitable for moving the works to different places.
CONTACTS
Evandro Gabrieli 346 1416152
www.evandroceramiche.com
Gabriella Sacchi 02 710621
www.spazionibe.it
info@spazionibe.it