A Reflection by Sophie Southgate

TEN is pleased to present a solo exhibition by ceramicist Sophie Southgate

A Reflection is Southgate’s first solo show at TEN – her tactile, joyous and vibrant work has been a popular staple of mixed exhibitions since she joined the gallery in 2016. The exhibition includes new additions to her well-established series of pills, lollies and vessels – complete with signature swirls of glazes and high contrasting colours

We are also introduced to two new collections. Wall-mounted earthenware balloons float, suspended in motion and sculptural stoneware forms with circular motifs are ancient in nature. The balloons – a continuation of the pop-style pills and lollies; the sculptures – reminiscent of Southgate’s play with negative space evident in her long-standing vessel series. All in all, these are clear, natural and exciting progressions in her practice. There is one noticeable difference in these new collections and that is the complete absence of colour. Southgate’s use of the blackest black paint – the Semple Black 3.0 – stands in complete distinction to her previous output. The forms take on an otherworldly presence, the balloons are conflicting – no longer bearers of joyous occasion but rather of solemn irony