Âé¶¹´«Ã½

News

Solid Ground tells the story of ceramics

Get enchanted by ceramics! Nathalie Lautenbacher's book intertwines essays with photos of contemporary ceramics in a charming way.
Kantava maa – Solid Ground kirjan etukansi

Ceramicist Lautenbacher's Solid Ground is a work presenting and inspired by contemporary ceramics. Lautenbacher has curated in the book the most interesting contemporary ceramic works.

Essays are written by a group of authors: Nathalie Lautenbacher, Kari Enqvist, Janne Saarikivi, Hannu Väisänen, Juhani Pallasmaa, Harri Kalha, Mikko Jalas, Tuuli Mattelmäki, Tarja-Kaarina Laamanen and Maarit Mäkelä.

Ceramics as an ancient material provides a connection to past generations and cultures across the globe. A pot, a dish, animal figures... The prototypes of many ceramic objects are age-old. Ceramics is popular again, and old subjects take new forms in the hands of new makers. What is the secret behind the thousand-year-old attraction of ceramics? What does this attraction say about us human beings?

Solid Ground introduces contemporary ceramics and reflects upon the world around it. Essays by leading writers and researchers build bridges between art, science, and life as they reflect on the nature of ceramics, its introduction, and its influence on culture, as well as the challenges of the material world today.

‘A well-kept ceramic item will last almost forever, and as an eternal item, it should stay in fashion for a long time and not be a passing whim’, says Lautenbacher.

Images of works by contemporary ceramicists inspire us to see the beauty of the material world and its profound meanings. These spell-binding works of art show how versatile Earth's modest materials can be in capable hands.

‘The birth of ceramics is a key innovation that has shaped human communities and lifestyles’, states one of the authors, Janne Saarikivi.

Welcome to the book launch 27 August, from 6 to 7 pm at Lokal Gallery, Annankatu 9, and to visit the ceramics exhibition.

Work group:

Nathalie Lautenbacher (editor)
Kati Saonegin (publisher, Aalto Arts Books)
Annika Leppäaho (graphic designer, Aalto student)
Tuuli Saarelainen (photo editor, Aalto ceramicist)
Anne Kinnunen (photographer)
Päivi Tikkanen (translator)

Contact:

Lecturer Nathalie Lautenbacher, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, nathalie.lautenbacher@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 384 4695

  • Updated:
  • Published:
Share
URL copied!

Read more news

Primary pupils sit spaced at wooden desks in a bright classroom, facing the teacher at the front.
Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

The Educational Partnership project is moving forward in Espoo – cooperation between guardians and schools is being developed through participatory methods

The two-year project explores and develops cooperation between guardians and schools using service design methods.
kestävällä tiellä
Campus, Cooperation, University Published:

The theme month promotes sustainable mobility

In May, there will be a variety of events and campaigns in Otaniemi to remind people about making sustainable choices in mobility.
Studies Published:

Apply now: Study Wellbeing Innovation in Tongji Summer School in China this August

European students in design, engineering, architecture and business are invited to join a cross-cultural learning experience bringing European and Chinese students together at Tongji University, one of China’s leading universities in Shanghai.
Person sits by a glowing screen with pixel smile and floating heart chat bubbles between them
Press releases Published:

AI companions can comfort lonely users but may deepen distress over time

Long-term use of AI companions may give comfort, but research indicates it may negatively impact users’ wellbeing and their ability to navigate real world relationships.