Curated by Margaret Mathews-Berenson and Allison Peller, “Molding / Mark-Making” features ceramic artists Ann Agee, Lynda Benglis, Kathy Butterly, Nicole Cherubini, Elisa D’Arrigo, Peter Gourfain, Joanne Greenbaum, Valerie Hegarty, Stephanie Imbeau, Kristen Jensen, Julia Kunin, Alice Mackler, Annabeth Rosen, Arlene Shechet, Peter Shire, and Betty Woodman.

For each of these artists, drawing is key to the dialogue between mind and hand. Marks made on paper are analogous to the molding of clay and application of glazes. Some of these artists make preparatory drawings; others create drawings after a ceramic work is completed, while still others draw or carve directly on the clay to activate surfaces. Many of their drawings point towards process, gesture and intent that translate into three dimensions; some create three-dimensional drawings. Others use widely varied paper supports to explore ways to render gesture in three dimensions. While seeking more expressive ways of working in clay, these artists often blur the boundaries between ceramics and drawing.  Each medium is in service of the other, inspiring cross-fertilization and reciprocity between sculptural forms in clay and works on paper.  Experiencing drawings and ceramics side-by-side clarifies these relationships for the viewer while inspiring new readings and understandings of each work of art.

“Molding / Mark-Making” runs from January 21 to March 25, 2018 at the Dorsky Gallery in New York City