The School of Art Gallery is proud to present Contemporary Traditions and Allusions, an exhibition exploring cultural connections through contemporary ceramics and traditional practices. This exhibition brings together Pj Anderson, a School of Art alumnus, with Professor Kent Fowler and ten Zulu artists from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
During her BFA studies, Pj Anderson joined Dr. Fowler on a research trip to South Africa, where she worked alongside Zulu potters. This transformative experience continues to inspire her art practice, which explores themes of heritage, identity, and cultural connection. Her work integrates influences from her Jamaican and Aboriginal heritage while addressing the marginalization of people of color in North America.
The Zulu potters featured in this exhibition are women from four KwaZulu-Natal communities. Their works reflect individual and regional identities while drawing on a ceramic tradition spanning thousands of years.
Featured Artists: Pj Anderson, Nesta Gumbi, Peni Gumbi Nonhlanhla, Shongani Gumede, Joyce Khumalo, Shongaziphi Magwaza, Thandiwe Magwaza, Zikoti Magwaza, Gijeni Mtungwa, Doris Mngomezulu, and Grace Ndlovu.
1000 Miles Apart Ceramics Conference
Dates: September 26 – 29, 2019
First organized in 1989, this conference connects post-secondary ceramics institutions across Canada. The 2019 conference, hosted by the University of Manitoba, includes exhibitions, presentations, and artist demonstrations, fostering a national dialogue and strong art community.
Curator and Artist Statements
Pj Anderson
Anderson’s work reflects her personal journey of reconnecting with her Afro-Indigenous heritage and exploring the uneasy relationship between her cultural identity and learned techniques. Her ceramic vessels draw on African and Indigenous American methods like coiling and burnishing while incorporating woven elements, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.
Kent Fowler
Dr. Fowler’s research through the Nguni Ceramics and Society Project examines pottery traditions in Zulu and Swazi communities. His work highlights the socio-cultural significance of ceramics, documenting techniques, rituals, and histories. This exhibition showcases pottery as a reflection of identity and resilience in the face of systemic inequality.
About the Curators and Artists
Pj Anderson
An Afro-Indigenous ceramic artist from Thompson, Manitoba, Anderson has exhibited internationally, including residencies in South Africa and China. Her works can be found in galleries and museums across Canada and beyond.
Grace Nickel
An award-winning artist and Associate Professor at the School of Art, Nickel’s work has been exhibited globally and is included in numerous public collections. She is a Royal Canadian Academy of Arts member and a leading figure in contemporary ceramics.
Kent Fowler
An Associate Professor in Anthropology, Dr. Fowler specializes in ceramic traditions, particularly in Africa. His research has contributed significantly to understanding pottery’s role in social identities and cultural practices.