Ryan Kelly's Anxious Assembly at The Clay Studio
Assistant Professor of Ceramics Ryan Wilson Kelly combines his sense of humor, artistic skill, and interest in historical ceramics masterfully in this series of heads on exhibition at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia through May 2, 2021.
The heads are loosely based on the Toby Jug and Character Mug forms popularized in the UK during the 18th century. At the time they were often used to lampoon political and social issues. This year during the pandemic lockdown, Kelly made variations on the form. The facial expressions depicted in this series of ceramic busts and jugs convey a sense of anxiety, capturing the sense of uncertainty, fear, and discomfort many of us have experienced over the last year.
Lunch & Learn with Ryan Kelly April 1, 2021
Join Jennifer Zwilling, Curator of Artistic Programs at The Clay Studio, and artist Ryan Kelly, as they discuss “Anxious Assembly."
