Rain Harris
Bedazzle, 2006
Porcelain, lusters, Plexiglass®, rhinestones, and feathers
Courtesy of Sherrie Gallerie, Columbus, Ohio
Photography Courtesy of the Artist
White Gold: The Appeal of Lustre
February 9 – July 6, 2014
“White gold” was a name given to porcelain wares centuries ago in Western Europe, inspired by the value placed on both the objects produced and the perceived preciousness of the processes of their manufacture. Playing on that name, this exhibition features the work of contemporary artists who—in one form or another—utilize shiny materials, such as lustre glazes and gold, often in combination with more earthy media, like clay.
From the 1500s through the 1700s, demand for porcelain wares—primarily put in service as luxury items—and competition among makers became so important that the worth of the porcelain was compared to other valuable goods, including gold. These determinations set the stage for how we understand certain kinds of materials today.
Combining works on loan with works from RAM’s collection, White Gold is not as concerned with historical wares as it is with the way materials can become metaphors for relationships between societies and objects. This exhibition offers a context for exploring how metals and lustre glazes can be visually compelling while raising questions about their economic, sentimental, and cultural significance.
More About the Exhibition
Artists in the Exhibition
Ralph Bacerra, Bennett Bean, A. Blair Clemo, Philip Cornelius, Megan Corwin, Leopold Foulem, Keiko Fukazawa, John Glick, Rain Harris, Rian de Jong, Cindy Kolodziejski, Tara Locklear, Philip Maberry, Ruta Reifen, Adrian Saxe, Yoko Sekino-Bove, Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Jason Walker, Beatrice Wood, Irina Zatceyva, and Silvia Zampa
White Gold: The Appeal of Lustre
February 9 – July 6, 2014
Rain Harris
Bedazzle, 2006
Porcelain, lusters, Plexiglass®, rhinestones, and feathers
Courtesy of Sherrie Gallerie, Columbus, Ohio
Photography Courtesy of the Artist
“White gold” was a name given to porcelain wares centuries ago in Western Europe, inspired by the value placed on both the objects produced and the perceived preciousness of the processes of their manufacture. Playing on that name, this exhibition features the work of contemporary artists who—in one form or another—utilize shiny materials, such as lustre glazes and gold, often in combination with more earthy media, like clay.
From the 1500s through the 1700s, demand for porcelain wares—primarily put in service as luxury items—and competition among makers became so important that the worth of the porcelain was compared to other valuable goods, including gold. These determinations set the stage for how we understand certain kinds of materials today.
Combining works on loan with works from RAM’s collection, White Gold is not as concerned with historical wares as it is with the way materials can become metaphors for relationships between societies and objects. This exhibition offers a context for exploring how metals and lustre glazes can be visually compelling while raising questions about their economic, sentimental, and cultural significance.
More About the Exhibition
Artists in the Exhibition
Ralph Bacerra, Bennett Bean, A. Blair Clemo, Philip Cornelius, Megan Corwin, Leopold Foulem, Keiko Fukazawa, John Glick, Rain Harris, Rian de Jong, Cindy Kolodziejski, Tara Locklear, Philip Maberry, Ruta Reifen, Adrian Saxe, Yoko Sekino-Bove, Joan Takayama-Ogawa, Jason Walker, Beatrice Wood, Irina Zatceyva, and Silvia Zampa
Gallery of Work
Exhibitions at RAM are made possible by:
Platinum Sponsors
The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd
David Charak
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Ron and Judith Isaacs
Nicholas and Nancy Kurten
Barbara Waldman
Windgate Foundation
Diamond Sponsors
City of Racine’s Grow Racine Grant
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Anonymous
Tom and Irene Creecy
Richard and Patricia Ehlert
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Reliance Controls Community Fund
Trio Foundation of St. Louis
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Baird
Beta Diagnostic Labs
A.C. Buhler Family
Lucy G. Feller
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Jim Harris
Sharon and Tom Harty
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Johnson Financial Group
Dorothy MacVicar
Jan Serr and John Shannon
Bronze Sponsors
Ellen and Joseph Albrecht
Susan Boland
Dave’s Wine Garage
Educators Credit Union
Express Employment Professionals
Bill and Debbie Keland
Susan Manalli
Jean and Alex Mandli, Jr.
Norbell Foundation
Cathy Stanghellini
Twin Disc