RAM Showcase: Focus on Clay

Christopher Davis-Benavides
Ciudades V (Cities V), 1987
Glazed earthenware
31 x 24 1/2 x 10 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Angela and George Jacobi
Photography: Jarvis Lawson

June 14, 2023 – May 25, 2024
at RAM’s Wustum Museum

In an anthropological context, the history of ceramics is most often associated with function. In an art historical framework, clay underwent a revolution in the mid-twentieth century as more and more artists were pushing its boundaries in theory, concept, and form. This encouraged a shift away from function and towards concept-based sculpture and explorations of material. Presently, artists flex their artistic muscle at will—using clay to create functional or sculptural work as they choose and investigating clay on historical, personal, social, and cultural terms as well as practical and material ones.

As a RAM Showcase exhibition, Focus on Clay centers on the work of artists of color and those represented here specifically reflect a range of artistic practices and approaches. Taken collectively, these objects represent multiple decades of working with clay.

It is important to point out that while there are theoretically no limitations to the materials any artist can use, there have historically been barriers to some artists of color in the United States—indirect or otherwise—to access to tools, materials, or studio spaces. In this current moment, more and more efforts are being made to not just support and encourage the work of artists of color but also to draw attention to the work that has already been created.

About RAM Showcase Exhibitions

RAM Showcase exhibitions highlight the work of contemporary artists of color.

In this moment in time, it is critical that RAM spotlights voices that have been historically underrepresented, such as women and artists of color. Artists of color are identified in this context as non-white and non-European. This simplification, which is arguably a flawed starting point, does not account for the nuances and variations of society. It is a beginning—a way to direct those who want to educate themselves about what is possible when new perspectives are encountered.

While the work of artists of color has been and will continue to be shown in a variety of contexts at both campuses, the Showcase series highlights conversations around equity, inclusion, and social justice. This means underscoring the presence of the work of artists of color, primarily from the collection as well as, at times, featuring artists addressing critical social and cultural issues across a broad spectrum.

Further, as an educational institution rooted in the humanities and using art as a catalyst, the museum wants to encourage inquiry and exploration about the world in which we live. RAM hopes spotlighting artists of color spurs further engagement with these artists and their ideas.

RAM is committed to supporting diverse voices—whether that diversity reflects race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, social standing, or world perspective.

Artists in the Exhibition

Luis Bermudez, Christopher Davis-Benavides, Benjie Heu, Juana Leno, Louis Mendez, Hideaki Miyamura, and Anita Wong