18 May 2004

Opening at the Shepparton Art Gallery on Thursday 20th May is a new ceramic exhibition, “Meditation on a Korean Odyssey”.

“Meditation on a Korean Odyssey” presents contemporary ceramic works created by accomplished artist, Petrus Spronk, after his residency in Korea in 1999 where, after encountering the landscape, he contemplated the vast accomplishments of Korea’s ceramics tradition.

Shepparton Art Gallery director, Leanne Willis, said Petrus Spronk’s ceramic works had been influenced by experiences in other cultures, not least of all in Greece, where he studied the ancient art of ceramic restoration.

“This investigation has proved most fruitful, and Petrus Spronk is now known for his process of breaking and then reassembling his own bowls. During this process a number of the bowls are broken into sections and different firing techniques applied,” Ms Willis said.

“Adorning these bowls are landscapes made from fields of traditional Chinese calligraphy characters.”

“In the spirit of his oriental experience, each piece in the exhibition is interestingly titled with two or three evocative lines akin to a traditional ‘haiku’ poem,” Ms Willis added.

Predominantly a potter, Petrus Spronk is also known for his writing, which can be viewed on his website at www.petrusspronk.com.

The exhibition continues at the Shepparton Art Gallery until 20th June 2004.  Petrus Spronk will be a guest speaker at the next ‘Friends of the Gallery’ coffee morning at 10.00 am on 2nd June.  For information, contact the gallery on
5832 9861.

Admission to Shepparton Art Gallery is free and it is open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. The gallery is located in the Eastbank Centre,
70 Welsford Street, Shepparton, phone 5832 9861.