James Greig:
Defying Gravity

DISCIPLINES:
Exhibition, Environmental
My Roles: Graphic Designer, Exhibition Designer

Defying Gravity brings together a lifetime of sculptural works by potter James Greig. His study of European philosophy, Japanese culture, modernist architecture, the natural sciences and his love of the New Zealand landscape fuelled a practice that went far beyond the realm of domestic ceramics.

This exhibition was designed by a small team working closely together: myself, the curator and a preparator. James Greig's ceramics range from petite bowls to sculptural behemoths, and therefore their requirements for display differ greatly: the optimal viewing height, the strength of support required, as well as the best approach for avoiding errant fingers.

I took the basic layout and refined it, taking these concerns into account to create a modular system where plinths were one of two sizes and at one of four heights. The final sizes also allowed for enough room for visitors to move around all sides, and for ease and economy of production.

The overall aesthetic matches well with James's areas of interest; the dark frames are reminiscent of shōji (Japanese paper doors), while also adhering to the simplicity of modernist design. The stained timber is sympathetic to—but also contrasts well with—the various finishes of the ceramics.

Beautifully presented by The Dowse, Greig’s work is exhibited in communion in its best gallery space, with bowls, platters and vessels on cubic modular tables surrounding a number of his last large major works ... in the next-door exhibition space, early work, influences and documentation are well presented to provide a strong context for the experience.

Mark Amery, 'Free Flying and Flowing', The Big Idea,
17 January 2017

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