PRESS RELEASE: 1 August 2017
British Ceramics Biennial announces line-up of new talent for
FRESH exhibition
Mark McLeish, Inherited Absence, 2017
Twenty-two talented recent ceramics graduates from across the UK and Ireland have been selected for FRESH, one of the flagship exhibitions of the British Ceramics Biennial, which will take place in Stoke-on-Trent from 23 September to 5 November 2017.
FRESH celebrates and gives a platform for artists at the beginning of their creative careers and represents the breadth of work created across the ceramic spectrum – from abstract sculpture and installation to functional, domestic tableware. Among the selected artists are Lena Peters, whose figurative sculptures take inspiration from folklore and mythology; Attila Olah, whose practice combines ice sculpting and ceramics; Holly Johns, who uses the size and shape of her body to make, manipulate and mark her vessels; and Youngeun Shin, whose still lifes combine ceramic off-cuts with everyday, familiar objects.
This year, 110 graduates from 30 universities applied to take part in FRESH. The 22 successful artists were chosen by a selection panel chaired by Helen Felcey, National Association of Ceramics in Higher Education (NACHE). She comments: ‘We thoroughly enjoyed looking through the FRESH applications. It was a privilege and a real pleasure to see all the work – to see the level of achievement, to sense the commitment and passion which lies behind it. Very challenging to select of course! We’re excited to bring the work together and hope that the selection encourages new reflections and conversations on ceramics and education. It was wonderful to see so many applications from different universities and colleges too – may they grow!’
The FRESH 2017 artists are:
Amy Mackle, Ulster University
Aneta Brudkowska, Staffordshire University
Annie Hardy, Royal College of Art
Attila Olah, Liverpool Hope University
Caitlin Darby, Loughborough University (BA), Staffordshire University (current MA)
Elena Gomez De Valcarcel, Central Saint Martins University of the Arts
Eusebio Sanchez, Royal College of Art
Holly Johns, University of Brighton
Irina Razumvoskaya, Royal College of Art
Jenny McNamara, University of Sunderland
Jessica Dent, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Julia Schuster, Royal College of Art
Kate Bergin, Limerick School of Art and Design
Lanty Ball, University of Central Lancashire
Lena Peters, Central Saint Martins
Manos Kalamenios, Royal College of Art
Mark McLeish, Manchester School of Art
Nathan Mullis, Cardiff School of Art and Design
Patricia Mato-Mora, Royal College of Art
Rachel Hoyle, Staffordshire University
Sabrina Vasulka & Nahuel Hernando, Staffordshire University
Youngeun Shin, Cardiff School of Art and Design
The FRESH artists were selected by a panel comprising Emma Bridgewater; Artistic Director of the British Ceramics Biennial Barney Hare Duke; FRESH 2015 winner Hannah Tounsend; Dr Natasha Mayo, practitioner, researcher and Programme Director of Ceramics at Cardiff School of Art & Design; Rhiannon Ewing-Jones, Creative Producer of the British Ceramics Biennial and Helen Felcey, NACHE.
Awards will be given to two selected FRESH exhibitors during the British Ceramics Biennial: a one-month funded residency at Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Centre in Denmark in 2018 and a BCB artist into industry residency, also in 2018.
FRESH 2015 winner Hannah Tounsend, who won the Guldagergaard residency for her series of printed vessels, ‘Traversing the Line’, will present a new commission at the 2017 British Ceramics Biennial.
More information on FRESH and the British Ceramics Biennial www.britishceramicsbiennial.com
-Ends-
For more press information, please contact: Iliana Taliotis on +44 (0)7931 341 112 or
Notes to editors
About the British Ceramics Biennial:
This year’s festival runs from 23 September to 5 November 2017.
The British Ceramics Biennial is a prestigious cultural event taking place in Stoke-on-Trent every two years. The six-week long festival presents work from the UK’s leading contemporary ceramic artists in a series of new exhibitions and special events in the city, embracing the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent as the home of British ceramics, and celebrating the city’s creative edge as an international centre for excellence in contemporary ceramics.
The British Ceramics Biennial launched in 2009 as a new initiative of residencies, fellowships, commissions, education and enterprise projects running year round with a major festival every two years. There have been four festivals to date. The BCB initiative is intended to be a catalyst for regeneration in the region and to create a platform for innovation and excellence celebrating the best in current ceramic practice, both nationally and internationally.
The Biennial draws on the historical strengths of the past in championing new future directions for the city.
The Biennial works in partnership with organisations and individuals in the museums, cultural, industry, business, education, community and voluntary sectors across the city in the development and delivery of projects year round with a particular focus on public engagement.
The festival and supporting community and education programme highlights and raises the profile of the many ceramics industries still working in Stoke-on-Trent, but also creates commissioning and exhibition opportunities for local ceramic artists as well as national and international artists.
British Ceramics Biennial funders:
The British Ceramics Biennial Ltd is funded by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Arts Council England, Staffordshire University and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Festival Sponsors:
Johnson Tiles, World of Wedgwood
Education materials:
Potclays Ltd
Artists’ commissions materials:
Valentine Clays Ltd
Media partner:
Ceramic Review
BCB is a partner in the Ceramics and its Dimenions programme which is funded by Creative Europe.
UK City of Culture 2021:
Stoke-on-Trent has been shortlisted for the title of UK City of Culture 2021. The city is renowned worldwide for its history, heritage and culture. Culture is central to Stoke-on-Trent's current and future ambitions, and bidding to become UK City of Culture 2021 will significantly strengthen the city's profile and affirm its position as a successful visitor destination. Find out more information at: www.sot2021.com or follow @sot2021 for all the latest news.
European Festivals Association:
The British Ceramics Biennial is part of the EEFE festival community, facilitated by the European Festivals Association, which consists of festivals that stand for artistic quality and have a significant impact on a local, national and international level.
2