The Ferrin Gallery presents “The Pursuit of Porcelain”  -- an installation of ceramic sculpture, photography, video and works on paper  -- at the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair in New York, April 14 – 17, 2011, at the Park Avenue Armory. Inspired by an 18th century porcelain room filled with a collection of figurines, plates and objects, Chris Antemann, conceived  the project and invited eight other artists who share her passion for porcelain, and historic collections. 

According to Leslie Ferrin, Chris Antemann’s work employs a unity of design and concept to simultaneously examine and parody male and female relationship roles. Characters, themes and incidents build upon each other, effectively forming their own language that speaks about domestic rites, social etiquette, and taboos. Themes from the classics and the romantics are given a contemporary edge; elaborate dinner parties, picnic luncheons and festive celebrations set the stage for her twisted tales to unfold.

“Plate by plate, porcelain replaced the gilded dining wear of the 18th century bourgeois and the collection of porcelain began its meteoric rise toward obsession,” Antemann explained. “Its dominance was evidenced by Europe’s flourishing factories; perhaps more important, however, was the replacement of the beloved sugar figurine with the porcelain figurine.  Much like fashion houses, porcelain factories created their own forms, designs, patterns and ornaments, and the bourgeoisie also used the dining wares with specificity by placing, or patterning, their dinners and gatherings.  Though the outlets continually change, all of these interpersonal dramas, the fashion and the fuss continue today and it makes its way into my work.”

ABOUT CHRIS ANTEMANN

Chris Antemann is one of seven artists designated by Bonnie Laing-Malcolmson to receive the Portland Art Museum's Northwest Art Awards in June. Of the seven, one person will be awarded the $10,000 Arlene Schnitzer Prize, named after the former art dealer and local patron who funded the museum's Northwest art program. 

Antemann has been chosen for ‘MEISSEN artCAMPUS – Experiencing Porcelain, a program initiated in 2010 by MEISSEN Porcelain Manufactory’ as the company looks back over three centuries of fine porcelain art, jewellery and architecture in fine porcelain. 

Meissen’s CEO, Christian Kurtzke adds, "Meissen has always been committed to nurturing and promoting both up and coming and established international artists. We look forward to welcoming Antemann whose work perfectly captures the traditional style and craftsmanship of the brand yet in a characteristically contemporary and witty way." 

Antemann, 41 years old, earned her M.F.A. in ceramics from the University of Minnesota and her B.F.A. in ceramics & painting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.   She has exhibited extensively in the United States and China.  Her work can be found in many private and public collections, including the Museum of Arts and Design, The 21 C. Hotel Museum, The KAMM Teapot Foundation, The Archie Bray Foundation, and the Foshan Ceramic Museum in China.  Her artist residencies include The Archie Bray Foundation and The John Michael Kohler Arts Center, where she was the NEA funded resident.  Most recently, she is the 2010 First Place Winner of the Virginia A. Groot Grant, a prestigious grant awarded to artists working in 3D to allow them time to further their work.

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SOFA NEW YORK 2011 will open April 14 – 17th at the Park Avenue Armory, Park Ave. at 67th Street. Opening Night, Wednesday, April 13: Invitation-only 5-7pm; Public Preview 7-9pm, Tickets: $100.00. Opening Night attendees may also support New York’s Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) by purchasing a ticket to attend a private dinner in the Armory’s Tiffany Room beginning at 6pm.  To purchase dinner tickets call 212-299-7712.  Exposition hours: Thursday, April 14: 11am-7pm; Friday, April 15: 11am-6pm; Saturday, April 16: 11am-7pm; and Sunday, April 17: Noon-6pm. Tickets are $25 for a single day of general admission and $40 for a four-day pass; both include catalog.  For general information, visit www.sofaexpo.com; call 800-563-SOFA (7632) or 312-587-7632.