Janet DeBoos, Emeritus Fellow at the Australian National University School of Art & Design, has a new exhibition opening on Wednesday 5 September at Sabbia Gallery. 

Gained in Translation

New work in ceramics by Janet DeBoos

Sabbia Gallery is pleased to present this solo exhibition by ceramic artists Janet DeBoos.

We normally talk about how meaning is ‘lost in translation’, but there is a strong case for the opposite- how meaning can be enhanced through translation, and how the hybrids that result from cultural mixing can have more relevance and promise than a mere replication of culturally ‘pure’ forms. Both working in a traditional medium like celadon, or using Qinghua (traditional blue & white) when one is not Chinese, nor trained in their use is not ‘pure’. To then combine it with materials like terra sigillatas won from Australian soil is challenging traditions.  But rather than the disruption of being ‘lost in translation’, an enhanced studio experience occurred, and a new appreciation of the iconic ‘pure’ forms developed.

Janet DeBoos, August 2018