Past Exhibitions

John Parker

Continuum

3 Nov - 4 Dec 2018

artist interview

 
 John Parker discusses his new works with art consultant Vanessa Jones. Video production: Ross Wilson
 

Exhibition Works

Shiny Grey Grooved Bottle [18-26]
Shiny Grey Grooved Bottle [18-26] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-29]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-29] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Conical Bottle [18-31]
Shiny Grey Grooved Conical Bottle [18-31] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-51]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-51] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-59]
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-59] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Orb [18-32]
Charcoal Grooved Orb [18-32] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved V Bowl [18-28]
Charcoal Grooved V Bowl [18-28] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Bottle [18-53]
Charcoal Grooved Bottle [18-53] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-36]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-36] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-33]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-33] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Conical Bottle [18-52]
Matt White Grooved Conical Bottle [18-52] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-30]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-30] (2018)
Matt Grey Grooved Bottle [18-50]
Matt Grey Grooved Bottle [18-50] (2018)
Matt Grey Ridged Vessel [18-63]
Matt Grey Ridged Vessel [18-63] (2018)
Matt Grey Grooved Bottle [18-42]
Matt Grey Grooved Bottle [18-42] (2018)
Matt Grey Grooved Vessel [18-34]
Matt Grey Grooved Vessel [18-34] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-27]
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-27] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Bottle [18-58]
Charcoal Grooved Bottle [18-58] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-43]
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-43] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-40]
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-40] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Bowl [18-45]
Matt White Grooved Bowl [18-45] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Bottle [18-38]
Matt White Grooved Bottle [18-38] (2018)
Matt White Grooved V Bowl [18-60]
Matt White Grooved V Bowl [18-60] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-64]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-64] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-54]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-54] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Bottle [18-48]
Shiny Grey Grooved Bottle [18-48] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-39]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-39] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-44]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-44] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Conical Bottle [18-62]
Charcoal Grooved Conical Bottle [18-62] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-47]
Charcoal Grooved Vessel [18-47] (2018)
Charcoal Grooved Cylindrical Bowl [18-65]
Charcoal Grooved Cylindrical Bowl [18-65] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Bottle [18-35]
Matt White Grooved Bottle [18-35] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-46]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-46] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Bottle [18-41]
Matt White Grooved Bottle [18-41] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-49]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-49] (2018)
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-56]
Matt White Grooved Vessel [18-56] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-57]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-57] (2018)
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-61]
Shiny Grey Grooved Vessel [18-61] (2018)
Matt Grey Grooved Bowl [18-55]
Matt Grey Grooved Bowl [18-55] (2018)
Matt Grey Grooved Bottle [18-37]
Matt Grey Grooved Bottle [18-37] (2018)

Exhibition Text

John Parker’s new works sit on a monochromatic spectrum that ranges from dark charcoal to chalky white. The absence of additional colour allows the forms and finishes of the vessels to take centre stage. A number of the pieces stand over a foot high, emphasising their performance as sculptural objects in addition to their practical capacity as vessels. As well as physically displacing / occupying / enclosing space, the ceramics play with the visual representation and materialisation of negative and positive forms. Glossy, fluid glazes cling to the ridges, curves and angles of some vessels; they shoot out reflections and seem to take up more room than the matte works which are still and self-contained. 

Grouped together, similarities of pattern and form combine with the astonishing consistency of Parker’s technique to underscore the relationship of each of his vessels to another. Although each work is a discrete object: it exists in reference to those made before and those made after its creation. Variations surface and disappear; early forms return in new guises and new forms reveal older roots. Parker’s slender-necked bottles have a lineage that reaches back thousands of years; the sharp, ridged angles and semi-cylindrical shapes seen in many of the vessels recall utilitarian industrial ceramics.

The flawless simplicity of John Parker’s works are the result of decades of making and each unique, hand-thrown piece bears the unmistakeable imprint of thousands of hours at the wheel and the kiln. These are ceramics distilled to their essentials, requiring neither more nor less.

Exhibition Views