VIVIAN VAN BLERK

Vivian van Blerk, renowned for his staged photographs that unveil fantastical narratives, has embarked on a captivating journey into the realm of ceramics. Since 2017, these temporary constructions, initially crafted for photographs, have transcended their ephemeral nature to become permanent ceramic sculptures. Van Blerk's ceramic artistry extends beyond mere replication; it's a metamorphosis. The vibrant glazes he employs serve as a veil, a silent layer that cloaks the stories embedded within the sculptures. These enigmatic objects, akin to his photographs, transport viewers to parallel worlds, inviting them to unravel the narratives suspended in time and space.

Van Blerk's foray into ceramics was sparked by a shared studio space with an archaeologist. Naturally, the skull became his first "vessel" for storytelling. He articulates: "It carries with it a reminder of mortality and of the memories and feelings of life that cling to our remains. It has an outside and an inside on which stories can be told."

In 2019, van Blerk unveiled his captivating work "On the Beach" at Meşher, Istanbul. He envisions: "A fleet of ceramic turtle arks carry life and memory across oceans to populate a long-abandoned city."

Since 2023, with "Archipel," van Blerk conjures a series of islands formed from architectural fragments, abandoned vehicles, and other ruins – remnants of human presence on Earth. These islands are overrun by remnants of our waste, yet they are also newly colonized by a diverse array of terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora. These novel micro-ecosystems are sometimes connected by schools of jellyfish, fostering a newfound animal solidarity. The concept of time loses its significance, as does the notion of good and evil.

Van Blerk's ceramic creations are not merely objects; they are portals to fantastical realms, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of imagination and introspection. His sculptures embody the transience of life, the resilience of nature, and the enduring power of storytelling.

www.vivianvanblerk.com
IG: @vivianvanblerk1