The exhibition presents a selection of works by Joana Vasconcelos including ceramic and textile pieces from her acclaimed Bordalos and Boxes series, alongside two ceramic works by Ai Weiwei. By revisiting the readymade and the parameters of New Realism and Pop Art, both artists ironically question contemporary society, its socio-cultural norms and collective identities. Their nonconformist visual language, often referring to the history of art and playing with the codes of luxury and design, or with the potential of elements drawn from the domestic universe, allows artisanship and industry, tradition and modernity, popular culture and erudition to coexist.

In the English lexicon, the expression Melting Pot is defined as a space within which “elements of very varied origin mix, where different ideas meet.” For this reason, the phrase is often used to describe diverse, multicultural societies.

The present exhibition is part of the International Academy of Ceramics (IAC) 2022 Congress. Marking the organisation’s 70th anniversary as well as its 50th congress jubilee, this year’s event takes Melting Pot as its theme. Hosted by swissceramics, the Geneva-based Swiss association of professional ceramists, the congress runs from the 12th to 16th September 2022. An exceptional 5-day program will include academic conferences, debates and visits to national and international exhibitions. More than 25 exhibitions based on the theme are organised in public and private museums, art galleries and historical or contemporary institutions in the city as well as other locations in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. A UNESCO partnership evening is also planned to bring to a close the week’s activities.