The history of ceramics in the world of art is fascinating. From pre-historic corded vessels produced in the Village of Banpo in Northern China to the miraculous works created by the ancient Greeks whose pottery still defines, for many, the form of art; ceramics has moved far beyond the simple vessel produced for utile purposes. The works of art produced in the Ceramics Program at Horace Mann, led by Mr. Keith Renner as teacher, are challenging, humorous, formally complex, and technically brilliant. The traditions of clay today live up to and in some cases beyond its greatness as a medium. The students represented here push the medium in many cases beyond its traditional methods and means; some even redefining what is possible in form. There were so many amazing works of art created by our students and our graduates in 2010-11 that we can be certain that the artistic skills they have acquired is beyond any group of ceramic students in a secondary school.

Charlotte’s work blackening the eyes of the Nazi leader with his own swastika is challenging to say the least; the act of blinding by symbols is a significant statement as well as a difficult work for any artist and the viewer. Eddie’s subtle humor, “that doesn’t look like me,” prompts a giggle from any onlooker. Jesse’s biomorphic forms are sinuous in spite of their simplicity. Darkly humorous Matthieu’s face sticking out its tongue at its lost parts screams its irony to all who engage it. Even the vessels surpass tradition and move into the realm of beautiful abstraction with Victor’s piece. Dilly’s subtle works as well make one stop and work through form, text and tradition. But the stand out comes in the forms of Spencer Whitehead. A talented artist Spencer’s formal complexity, seen best in the “circle work”, shows an understanding of balance and composition holding at bay a terror of immediate collapse due to its fragility. His screaming head captures sculptural traditions as well as the sublime energy that can be found in so many of the best works of art from the age of the Hellenistic Greeks to Francis Bacon. In the same turn Spencer is a young man capable of sensitivity in traditional forms: a bowl with its beautiful red and blue glazes or his drinking vessels, which look as though they were made for the traditional raku-ware purpose of drinking sencha.

All in all the students of Horace Mann School’s ceramics program are among some of the most adept young creative men and women. A testament to the importance of the arts at the school and the power of clay to change and mold personalities, abilities and in some cases academic lives.

-Avram Schlesinger
 Department of Art History
 Horace Mann School