The poetry of material things
Goosullae Kim, Pauline Meade, Janice Keen & Thannie Phan.
WHEN | 4 DECEMBER TO 5 JANUARY 2025
WHERE | RESIDENTS GALLERY
OPENING EVENT | 13 DECEMBER, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
In this exhibition, the poetry of everyday material objects is considered—vessels that cultivate the fabric of
human existence, carrying the quiet heaviness of daily life. Each collection within the installation is constructed
around the functions these vessels traditionally engage in: that of containment, libation, and adornment.
Containment is the subtle act of holding—the enduring forms of bowls and jars, and the notion of keeping
something within bounds. In between their perimeters, they first hold onto space and air, then the things
gathered and kept, defining material weight.
Libation carries fluidity in its intent, like the ritual of pouring, the act of offering and release. The pourers and
cups are objects of repetition, with the motion of lifting, the arc of pouring, and the density of liquid transferring
from one space to another all written into their form. In their existence, they hold motion in suspension, an
endless cycle of fullness and emptiness.
Adornment is a quieter pulse, a sense of standing still, standing in contrast to the other two. The vases and
platters are not for holding or giving, not for movement or release. They are made to frame, to offer a moment
of respite to the eyes and hands. Their surfaces are without distraction, without extravagance. A sense of
balance is present here—of something perfect in its stillness, something punctuated against time.
These “material things” are not just forms but a reflection of the quiet choreography of life. Crafted with
meticulous focus, the work communicates through both sight and touch, producing a range of emotional terrain.
In the making of this exhibition, the makers have taken pauses, and listened to the small rhythms of the many
“material things” surrounding everyday life. It is hoped that their poetry can also be found in this space.