New York–based Twenty First Gallery is pleased to present the first U.S. solo exhibition of French ceramic artist Alice Gavalet, opening October 30th. Marking a pivotal moment in her career, the show introduces American audiences to her exuberant and painterly vision, with vibrant vases, playful lamps and sconces, and two groundbreaking furniture pieces that combine ceramic with wood and brass. Drawing inspiration from textile patterns, Art Brut, and the colorful legacies of Betty Woodman and Ettore Sottsass, Gavalet transforms clay into bold sculptural forms that are at once joyful, spontaneous, and alive with movement.Her practice is deeply informed by the language of textiles, most notably her signature tartan motifs, yet it is her fearless use of color and painterly approach that most define her work. Layering engobes, enamels, and oxides with a brush, she builds subtle transparencies and nuanced hues, often leaving areas of clay exposed to create a striking sense of depth. This balance of complexity and vitality infuses each piece with energy and motion. Though many works take the form of functional objects, Gavalet ultimately conceives of them as “painted sculptures,” celebrating imperfection, spontaneity, and the expressive potential of clay.
Set Design: Jean de Piépape Photography: Arturo Sánchez
| Hours | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Venue | Twenty First |
| Type | Exhibition |
| Duration | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| City | New York City |
About
Twenty First
New York-based Twenty First Gallery is at the forefront of collectible design, applied and functional art. The platform brings together a select group of European artists excelling in various mediums while also putting their own spin on tried and true craftsmanship. Through carefully curated solo exhibitions and a strong presence at major international fairs, Twenty First Gallery is an essential resource for unique furnishings and artworks. Founded in 2007 by French applied arts expert Renaud Vuaillat, Twenty First Gallery has established itself as one of New York’s preeminent purveyors of thought-provoking collectible design produced with quality materials and mastery in mind. Vuaillat and his team work closely with a roster of renowned and emerging talents; pushing them to think outside the box, experiment, and create new format-defying work that can captivate collectors in new ways. The same considered approach translates into how the platform forges long-lasting relationships with collectors. Twenty First Gallery believes in the value of living with design as art and celebrating work that can convey a narrative.
