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Ceramicist Lautenbacher's Solid Ground is a work presenting and inspired by contemporary ceramics. Lautenbacher has curated in the book the most interesting contemporary ceramic works.

Essays are written by a group of authors: Nathalie Lautenbacher, Kari Enqvist, Janne Saarikivi, Hannu Väisänen, Juhani Pallasmaa, Harri Kalha, Mikko Jalas, Tuuli Mattelmäki, Tarja-Kaarina Laamanen and Maarit Mäkelä.

Ceramics as an ancient material provides a connection to past generations and cultures across the globe. A pot, a dish, animal figures... The prototypes of many ceramic objects are age-old. Ceramics is popular again, and old subjects take new forms in the hands of new makers. What is the secret behind the thousand-year-old attraction of ceramics? What does this attraction say about us human beings?

Solid Ground introduces contemporary ceramics and reflects upon the world around it. Essays by leading writers and researchers build bridges between art, science, and life as they reflect on the nature of ceramics, its introduction, and its influence on culture, as well as the challenges of the material world today.

‘A well-kept ceramic item will last almost forever, and as an eternal item, it should stay in fashion for a long time and not be a passing whim’, says Lautenbacher.

Images of works by contemporary ceramicists inspire us to see the beauty of the material world and its profound meanings. These spell-binding works of art show how versatile Earth's modest materials can be in capable hands.

‘The birth of ceramics is a key innovation that has shaped human communities and lifestyles’, states one of the authors, Janne Saarikivi.

Welcome to the book launch 27 August, from 6 to 7 pm at Lokal Gallery, Annankatu 9, and to visit the ceramics exhibition.

Work group:

Nathalie Lautenbacher (editor)
Kati Saonegin (publisher, Aalto Arts Books)
Annika Leppäaho (graphic designer, Aalto student)
Tuuli Saarelainen (photo editor, Aalto ceramicist)
Anne Kinnunen (photographer)
Päivi Tikkanen (translator)

Contact:

Lecturer Nathalie Lautenbacher, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, nathalie.lautenbacher@aalto.fi, tel. +358 50 384 4695