Artwork
#ceramics
#Helena Hafemann
#porcelain
#sculpture
#thread
April 7, 2024
Jackie Andres
In the future, as Helena Hafemann was unloading the dishwasher, one among her porcelain saucers shattered. Breaking into a number of fragments, the beloved plate misplaced its useful use inside a cut up second, however Hafemann continued to consider its worth, reflecting on how a lot emotional weight the piece nonetheless held even in its daunting state.
Attempting to salvage every fragment with glue felt as demoralizing because it was dismal, and she or he was left to consider price: When an object’s worth is so intertwined with its utility, what occurs when the latter is taken away? What position does sentimentality play, particularly when the unique piece is remodeled anew?
Hafemann is pushed by these slippery notions of worth, which appear extra pressing when confronted with loss. Suspending the transient second of destruction, the Wiesbaden, Germany-based artist stretches a whole lot of strands of filigree thread between damaged segments of plates. Completely coinciding with the porcelain hues from which they movement, bundles of delicate fibers bridge the jarring gaps between every ceramic morsel.
Comprising plates from mates, household, thrift shops, and flea markets, the wall works make up her ongoing Fadenschein sequence, which interprets to “threadbare.” She shares:
By connecting the shards with stitching thread, I freeze the second of breakage, or the obvious disintegration of the porcelain plate. With the Fadenschein sequence, I need to create little moments of irritation by which you ask your self whether or not time is de facto at all times shifting ahead, or whether or not it’s maybe potential that, simply this as soon as, it will probably make a damaged plate develop again collectively once more.
Hafemann is at the moment making ready for 2 solo exhibitions opening later this yr. See her web site for extra work, and keep within the loop about her forthcoming exhibits on Instagram. You may also get pleasure from Nicole McLaughlin’s warped sculptures and Faig Ahmed’s drippy fibers.
#ceramics
#Helena Hafemann
#porcelain
#sculpture
#thread
Do tales and artists like this matter to you? Turn out to be a Colossal Member at the moment and assist impartial arts publishing for as little as $5 per 30 days. You may join with a group of like-minded readers who’re keen about up to date artwork, learn articles and newsletters ad-free, maintain our interview sequence, get reductions and early entry to our limited-edition print releases, and far more. Be part of now!