Jugs: An Exhibition of Contemporary Ceramic Vessels, AKA Amphorae

Jugs presents works by twenty acclaimed Australian artists and makers, all working with ceramics to explore the classic form of the amphora – affectionately known as jugs.

From its origins, amphorae were objects of utility, used to transport materials of trade and as highly decorated, ceremonial objects – amphorae speak to the connection between life and art. Throughout history, the amphora has been continually reimagined in the hands of contemporary makers. The works presented in this exhibition consider the ideas and practices of our time, as they have since antiquity.

This exhibition coincides with Vessels as part of Melbourne Now, Craft’s curatorial collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria. Featuring exceptional works from leading ceramists in Australia, including a group of selected artists in Vessels at the NGV, Jugs continues Craft’s ongoing commitment to exhibiting and honouring iconic objects of craft and design as core to our curatorial program. The artists invited to exhibit in Jugs all started by referencing traditional amphorae, and through the making process new ideas and forms have emerged, given shape by contemporary context.

“Across the globe, the great museums proudly exhibit amphorae from lost civilisations and ancient cultures. These objects are keepers of knowledge, telling stories of the everyday lives of the peoples who created them and used them. An object of function and an object of beauty, the value of amphorae has endured across time. This exhibition revels in the vitality of this humble yet magnificent object and its cultural significance,” said Nicole Durling, Executive Director of Craft.

Artists

Alfred Lowe, Andrei Davidoff, Ara Dolatian, Claybia (Cassandra Chilton & Molly O’Shaughnessy), Danielle Thiris, Glenn Barkley, Isadora Vaughan, Janet Fieldhouse, Juz Kitson, Kate Jones, Leon Zhan, Megafauna Studio, Minaal Lawn, Nicolette Johnson, Rona Rubuntja (Hermannsburg Potters), Vipoo Srivilasa, Virginia Leonard, Yoko Ozawa, Yuro Cuchor

Opening event

Please join us in the gallery (at Craft, Watson Place, Melbourne) from 5.30pm for VIP drinks with the artists prior to the public opening event on Thursday 11 May 2023 (5–6pm: VIP preview and drinks with the artists. 6–8pm: Public opening event). RSVP here by 4 May.