The adventure beyond adventure

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ANA STIPSIC - CERAMIST
Contact Phone: (064) 117-2552

Born in Belgrade 1971. Graduated from School of Applied Arts and Design, University of Belgrade in 1995, in the class of proof. Mirjane Isakovć.

Member of ULUPUDS since 1997.

Ana Stipsić perhaps unconsciously, traveled to deep past. To the first days of Genesis, to the creation of the World. And then, she came back…

That is how historian of Art Marijana Cvetković described works of young ceramist Ana Stipsić.

Earth, water, fire - in the thick gallery air...

We are starting at the very Beginning. From Earth, rock. From first organic forms in the water...

Although these works may seem heterogeneous, leading one's eye and attention diverse ways when one steps among them, that lasts but one instant. An instant before the questions come: The sculpture over there, why is it in the water? Why is the fire burning in the other one? Ana Stipsic, perhaps unconsciously, traveled to deep past. To the first days of Genesis, to the creation of the World. And then, she came back.

Evidently, the inspiration was drawn from Nature, and all of its forms. From plants, often the ones that escape our attention, from endlessly diverse structures of rock. But, starting from the concrete visual data, these sculptures reach remarkable aesthetic heights, such in "The Conversation". All that was achieved through a long lasting effort in finding the right balance in using colored porcelain masses and working with fine, unpredictable porcelain slabs.

Combination of forms with emphasis on color and color effects creates images of extraordinary adventure, adventure beyond adventure, images of some long forgotten memories.

The pottery is a part of the same concept, the concept of liaison between the basic and the complex. Some of it is fired and it glows with fire within. Other is of intricate decorative character achieved through Ana's many years work with colored porcelain.

Using complicated methods of shaping and baking colored porcelain slabs, Ana created sculptures and pottery of unusual forms and outstanding decorative effect. From organic forms through abstract motifs of tribal art, the eye travels around, sinking into strange atmosphere created by the presence of primal elements in the gallery room - Earth, Water and Fire. Everything around suggests how one element couldn't exist without another, the artist is well aware of it, so will be the viewers. This exhibition shows that modern pottery belongs among the highest achievements of art. It is aware of its potential, but liberated from the burden of pure utility. Although its big role still remains in utility, at the same time this medium tackles extremely serious aesthetic exploration.

The way the work is presented is different. It is animated, livened by presence of very elements that form part of its design idea. That is praiseworthy, especially in our case of omnipresent inertia in new approaches to presenting art.

But this is just a beginning...

Marijana Cvetković
Historian of Art