Xanthe Somers is making waves as a ceramic artist, and her exhibition, “Invisible Hand,” recently took place at Southern Guild. Though it closed on August 31st, the impact of her work still lingers in the minds of those who experienced it.
In the gallery, three impressive clay vessels stood tall at one metre each, capturing the attention of every visitor with their colours of red, yellow, green, and a shiny slate grey. The sculptures were placed on central plinths, making them feel even more commanding.
These vessels, named “Tales Untold,” “Of Woof and Woe,” and “The Weary Weaver,” aren’t just object; they carry deep meaning. Xanthe Somers looks into the ideas about craft and its history, especially how society often values both ceramics and weaving less than so-called “fine art.” She challenges these old beliefs that try to push certain creative expressions, especially those traditionally connected with women, to the sidelines.
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Born in Zimbabwe in 1992, Somers studied Post-Colonial Theory, which influences her artistic outlook. Her symbolize her life’s experiences and the collective assumptions we have about objects and craftsmanship.
Clay, a material often seen as plain and ordinary, becomes something extraordinary in her hands. This material is deeply tied to human history, as it has been used for everything from making pots to building homes and crafting icons.
Somers’ vessels are designed, resembling both ceramic shapes and woven baskets. They are made of many interwoven pieces of clay, creating a structure that feels both sturdy and fluid. This clever blending of styles challenges the idea that ceramics and weaving are lesser forms of art.
While weaving has often been viewed as a female craft, Xanthe focuses on drawing inspiration from the baTonga women of her home country. These women have passed down their basket-weaving skills through generations, each creation telling a story of tradition and resilience.
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The size of her work—standing at about a metre tall—gives a feeling of awe. It’s not easy to shape and build such grand pieces from clay. The attendees felt a mixture of admiration and curiosity when standing before them.
Some might think using the word “playful” in art means that something lacks seriousness. However, Somers uses play as a way to encourage us to think deeper about how we perceive art, craft, and those who create it.
Her sculptures demand attention and respect, urging us to appreciate not just the vessels, but also the remarkable skills of many women who work behind the scenes, whether at a loom or a potter’s wheel.
