GRAPEVINE~ documents an exhibition curated by artist Ricky Swallow at David Kordansky Gallery during the summer of 2013. It focuses on the work of five California-based artists who redefined the use of clay in contemporary art, and includes images of works created over a period of more than 50 years. Ceramic sculptures by Magdalena Suarez Frimkess, Michael Frimkess, John Mason, Ron Nagle, and Peter Shire exemplify the ways in which the medium underwent dramatic changes after World War II. Also included are select works by other artists influential in this dialogue, such as Ken Price and Peter Voulkos. An essay by Swallow explores the movement’s idiosyncrasies and cross-currents, as well as its influence on subsequent generations of artists.
Text: Ricky Swallow. Photography: Fredrik Nilsen. Design: Sinisa Mackovic & Robert Milne.