Curator Statements
Body & Soul: New International Ceramics
By Wendy Tarlow Kaplan, Martin S. Kaplan, and Laurent de Verneuil
The exhibition "Body & Soul: New International Ceramics" represents a watershed moment in contemporary ceramic art. This landmark exhibition brought together artists from around the world who use the human figure as a vehicle for exploring pressing social, political, and environmental issues of our time.
The ceramic medium, with its inherent connection to the earth and to human history, provides these artists with a powerful means of expression. Through their work, they address themes of identity, vulnerability, transformation, and resilience. The tactile nature of clay allows for an intimacy that draws viewers into dialogue with the artworks, creating connections that transcend cultural boundaries.
We are grateful to the Museum of Arts & Design for hosting this important exhibition, and to all the artists whose vision and skill have made this project possible.
From The Kilns of Denmark: Contemporary Danish Ceramics
By Wendy Tarlow Kaplan
Danish ceramic art represents a unique synthesis of traditional craftsmanship and innovative contemporary expression. This exhibition showcases the extraordinary vitality of Denmark's ceramic community, highlighting artists who have pushed the boundaries of the medium while maintaining deep connections to their cultural heritage.
The works presented demonstrate the diversity of approaches within Danish ceramics, from functional vessels that elevate everyday objects to sculptural forms that challenge our perceptions of what clay can achieve. The Danish tradition of excellence in design, combined with a spirit of experimentation, has produced a body of work that speaks to both local and universal themes.
The collaboration with The Danish Museum of Decorative Art and The Fitchburg Art Museum has been instrumental in bringing this exhibition to international audiences, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation for Danish ceramic art.
Tiger by the Tail! Women Artists of India Transforming Culture
By Wendy Tarlow Kaplan
This groundbreaking exhibition celebrates the powerful voices of contemporary women artists from India who are reshaping cultural narratives and challenging traditional boundaries. These seventeen artists represent a movement that combines deep respect for Indian artistic traditions with bold contemporary vision.
Their work addresses themes of gender, identity, mythology, and social change, offering perspectives that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through various media including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation, these artists create dialogues between tradition and modernity, the personal and the political.
The fact that seven of these artists were later included in a major exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris speaks to the international significance of their contributions to contemporary art.
The Perfect Fit: Shoes Tell Stories
By Wendy Tarlow Kaplan
Shoes carry us through life, bearing witness to our journeys, our labors, and our dreams. This exhibition explores the rich symbolism of footwear in art, examining how artists transform this everyday object into powerful vehicles for storytelling.
The exhibition holds special significance for Brockton, Massachusetts, once a center of American shoe manufacturing. My family's connection to this industry, spanning much of the 20th century, adds a personal dimension to this curatorial project. The show bridges industrial heritage with contemporary artistic practice, honoring both the craftspeople who made shoes and the artists who reimagine them.
Through diverse materials and approaches, the featured artists explore themes of journey, identity, labor, fashion, and human experience, demonstrating that even the most humble objects can carry profound meaning.