Clementine Keith-Roach, a sculptor based in Dorset, creates captivating terracotta works that evoke a sense of ancient history and mystery. Her pieces feature weathered limbs intertwining with hand-built vessels, showcasing a raw and expressive aesthetic. The surfaces of these objects bear marks of wear and tear, hinting at their past uses and stories.
In a recent interview with Colossal, Keith-Roach delves into the themes of nurturing and communal responsibility that permeate her work. She explores the idea of mothering as a metaphor and reflects on the transformative nature of pregnancy and the merging of bodies. The artist’s personal experiences as a mother have influenced her art, leading to the creation of sculptures that symbolize the bond between mind and body.
Keith-Roach’s latest exhibition, “New Statue,” currently on display at PPOW in New York, features a series of sculptures that she refers to as “statues.” These works challenge the traditional notion of monuments that often glorify singular individuals. Instead, Keith-Roach’s sculptures remain anonymous, with multiple pairs of hands or limbs coming together to support a central object.
At the core of each sculpture is an antique terracotta amphora sourced from second-hand shops and markets. Plaster casts of the artist’s body and those of her friends are then attached to these vessels, creating a sense of unity and connection. Keith-Roach’s process involves merging body parts before pulling them from the cast, symbolizing the coming together of multiple individuals into a collective whole.
The artist’s meticulous approach includes a trompe l’oeil technique where she paints and conditions the new additions to match the aged surfaces of the original components. This juxtaposition between the body’s impermanence and the enduring nature of ceramic adds depth and complexity to her work. Keith-Roach aims to elevate the ordinary and transform domestic objects into ceremonial pieces that invite reflection.
Through her sculptures, Keith-Roach celebrates the everyday movements and gestures that often go unnoticed, turning them into monumental expressions of human connection. Her art exudes a sense of sacredness and reverence, inviting viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of individuals in a collective moment.
To experience Clementine Keith-Roach’s captivating sculptures firsthand, visit her solo exhibition “New Statue” at PPOW in New York before it closes on December 21. You can also explore more of her work on Instagram for a glimpse into her evocative and thought-provoking artistic practice.
