Artist - Object Project. Curated exhibition and artist residency programme

Allen’s research investigates hierarchies evident in the perception of ceramic practice within the contemporary visual and applied arts cannon. The research offers some insight into clay’s extraordinary history, evidencing the role it continues to play as informant in cultural anthropology. During the review period Allen’s research has built upon and referenced a number of projects stemming back to 2004, with research receiving financial support from the Esme Fairbairn Foundation, The National Museum of Wales, The Arts and Crafts Council of Wales, The University of Glamorgan and Brecknock Council.

The Artist Object Project required three nationally recognised visual artists to work with and respond to the applied arts collection of Amgueddfa Cymru: National Museum Wales for a prolonged period. Understanding the working practices of the three selected artists, Allen’s research both attempts to rationalise and historicise the changing perception of ceramic practice whilst facilitating a new audience to historical ceramic artefacts. A body of work was produced and exhibited alongside the sources of inspiration and toured to Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery, opening the national ceramic collection to a wider audience.