Projects – Terra Australis Nondum Cognita
Terra Australis Nondum Cognita (2020)
(The Southern Land Not Yet Known)
Lauren Downton
36x36x52cm
White Earthenware
This Australian Ceramic Vessel is a modern interpretation of the form of a historical 19th century Josiah Wedgewood & Sons vessel. Set on a backdrop of British colonisation, it explores themes of Australian identity and history, juxtaposed with contemporary pop culture. This piece questions the image of Australian identity on a global stage.
The vessel was constructed using a technique of coiling clay by hand, where walls of coils are gradually built up upon one another, one layer at a time. The individual coils were joined seamlessly, with finger marks remaining to show the handmade nature of the process. Read more about the technique of coiling here.
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