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(Archive) Smashing Heritage - an exploration in form

Shattered ceramics are made into new forms. Picking up the pieces, new thoughts and ideas are created with the old.

This project was part of DDW 2022
Bubble vase by Ivi van Keulen — © Noman Meihandoest

How do we value art? What price do we give it? What importance do we ascribe to it? Surely arts value comes from its expression, its beauty, not its price tag?

An exploration in form

The 18th Century vase was meticulously made. Beautiful but flawed, with chips and cracks. If it would be immaculate, it would be deemed to be very valuable. But, in the state that it was in, it’s thought to be worthless. It would also cost more to restore than they could ever sell it for. So we have an antique object that is undoubtedly beautiful, authentic, and true but is essentially valueless in the market.

Valueless as I was when I just “drew” but did not have the temerity to call myself an artist. Worthless as my work was until others started to buy it. But, surely my work was worthwhile before it was purchased? Surely arts value comes from its expression, its beauty, not its price tag? I’ve decided to repair these vases by destroying them. By breaking them and reforming them to new and brave shapes, as new works, I will give them value in the modern world.

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detail Bubble vase by Ivi van Keulen — © Noman Meihandoest

Cactus vase by Ivi van Keulen — © Noman Meihandoest

detail Cactus vase by Ivi van Keulen — © Diana Bodnarenco

Smashing Heritage by Ivi van Keulen