Paradox: New Ceramics by Arturo Araujo, SJ
September 23-December 13, 2013
Kalmanovitz Hall Rooftop Sculpture Terrace
Paradox presents a series of vessels that combine Chinese, Japanese and Korean ceramic traditions to explore the contradictions in Psalms 16, a lamentation that ends on a joyful note. In one part of the series, a group of ambitious latticed half-globes becomes an incantation of the Psalm in many languages. Araujo writes, “Here, the poetry of Psalms 16 led to a series of large-scale ceramic globes and bowls that link the ways in which our humanity is shaped with experiences of being full and empty, broken and whole, surrendered and glorified. In this Psalm joy and pleasure come in the last stanza of a lament, suggesting that God’s path guides us through purifying experiences of loss, sacrifice and sadness—experiences that have the power to unveil an inner paradise.” The setting is also unique. Paradox removes the typical barriers of vitrine and museum roof, so that the vessels can be seen in natural light against the sky. It makes for a wonderful meditation on the materials of ceramics.
About the artist
Born in Barranquilla, Colombia in 1967, Araujo joined the Jesuits in 1986 and was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1999. Twelve years ago he moved to the United States and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Seattle University, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornish College of the Arts, and a MFA from the University of New Mexico. Currently he teaches art at the University of San Francisco, and works in his own studio, “Inside River Studio,” located in Fairfax, CA. Inspired by nature and by the work of Japanese sensei Manji Inoue, Native American master Clearance Cruz, and the British artist Mary White, Araujo creates work that expresses a contemporary spirituality with a blending of different ceramic traditions and styles. His work has been shown in Colombia, Mexico, Canada and the United States.
Events
- Artist Reception & Performance by USF Liturgical Choir, Tuesday, October 1. Noon to 1 p.m.