XVA Gallery is currently holding Appearance, a solo exhibition by Jordanian-French sculptress Katia Al Tal. One has an opportunity to look at her latest artworks displayed in the show until 22 June 2023.
The show explores the essence of Katia Al Tal’s vision and the experiences which led to the creation of the works on view. The artist uses resin to create her ethereal white sculptures embodying the organic nature of her art making process.
Al Tal began her journey as a sculptor when she was working in the theatre; one of “those old artists” said to her that she was a sculptress and was willing to teach her. “A week later he gave me clay and a few instructions on what I should and shouldn’t do,” the artist said. “[…] I started playing with the clay. Two or three hours passed before I realised […] I was absorbed into it.” She understood that she would spend the rest of her life sculpting.
Being inspired mostly by the human body and in particular bones, to create her figurative sculptures full of vitality, Al Tal utilises clay, the material which she believes conveys the Earth’s energy. The artist also produces functional art pieces inspired by her culture, history, and her travels around the world. Her series of ceramics called Nuwa Creations includes practical everyday objects (coffee cups, saucers, etc.) in which she skillfully and successfully merges both sculpting and functionality.
About the artist
Katia Al Tal (b. 1970, Amman, Jordan) is an artist and potter who lives and works between France and Jordan. She obtained her BA in Psychology and Political Science from University of Jordan, Amman, in 1993; in 1996, she graduated from Lyon University, Lyon, France, with a French Diploma. Al Tal also received a Certificate in Drama from Performing Arts Center, Amman, in 1994. Nowadays, she owns a ceramic company, Nuwa Creations, which she started with support from BPWA (Business and Professional Women Association-Amman), an association of female entrepreneurs.
Al Tal has displayed her artworks in multiple exhibitions and other art events, including Amman Design Week, Wadi Finan Art Gallery, Jordan (2017); Dimension of Civilization, Yinchuan Museum Of Contemporary Art, Yinchuan, China (2015); 70 years of Contemporary Jordanian Art, Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts (2013); Environmental Themes Sculpture Exhibition, Dubai, UAE (2009 ); Asian Contemporary Art Fair, New York, USA (2008); “Dar Al Ataa” Fundraiser Exhibition, Muscat, Oman (2007); Clay Figurine Sculpture Exhibition, Amman, Jordan (2006); “Doctors without Borders” Fundraiser Art Exhibition, Dubai, UAE (2006); and others.
To get more information about Appearance, please visit the show’s official web page.
You might also be interested in visiting The Bloom Room by Melis Buyruk.
