An exploration of how clay becomes an expression of “self” and a live interlocutor able to dialogue, answer, and stimulate reciprocal creativity between artist and matter.

The third event of the lecture series Touched by Clay: From Lucio Fontana to Contemporary Practice explores how clay and ceramics serve as both self-expression and encounter with an “other.” Beginning with Lucio Fontana’s wide-ranging depictions of women—from archaic heads to dancers, film stars, mythical Medusas, Venuses, religious figures, icons, and portraits of women he knew, focus then turns to contemporary artists who see clay itself as embodying an “other”: Magdalene Odundo views her practice as co-creation, as clay speaks “for itself as a material,” while Toshiko Takaezu notes that “clay responds to me . . . often the clay has much to say.” For Peter Voulkos, clay was a site of physical argument and ritual; for Theaster Gates, a partner with agency and memory. Participants will explore how clay “speaks back,” fostering dialogue and reciprocity.

remember

• The online lectures are in Italian and last one hour.
• Participants will receive a Zoom link.
• The series is for members only.
• Donation required of 60€ for the full lecture series, 50€ for participants joining before the end of 2025 (50€ for teachers, provided they submit a certificate issued by their school or institution to membership@guggenheim-venice.it).
• The course is free for Young Pass and Young Pass + friend members.
• It is not possible to register for a single lecture.
• Participants can join mid-course and receive recordings of previous lectures.