Johnny Vegas and Emma Rodgers present a new body of work addressing the beauty and transience of physical contact and interaction. Created in collaboration with local people, the installation captures fleeting moments – fixing human hugs into permanent form. The hugged forms sit alongside a wall of unfired clay presented as an invitation to those experiencing anxiety, anger, grief or any other strong emotion to express their feelings through free mark-making.

Although best known for his work as a comedian, Johnny Vegas originally trained in art and ceramics at the University of Middlesex. During the pandemic, Vegas found solace in creativity, and nearly three decades after he graduated, he returned to the studio following a chance encounter with sculptor Emma Rodgers. Johnny Vegas’ work in clay draws on his experiences of living with ADHD, and explores concepts of flight, faith, and fear of failure. He has described his return to art and clay as, ‘an unfinished part of my story’.

Emma Rodgers collaborates with Johnny to help him realise his ambitious creative ideas, drawing upon her years of technical and artistic expertise. Her work is held in major public and private collections internationally, and nature is her constant source of inspiration. Public art works include an iconic Liverpool statue of Cilla Black, and the world’s largest Liver Bird, standing at 11m high and comprising oversized Meccano pieces. Rodgers’ practice pushes the boundaries of materials, be they clay, bronze or steel. She is passionate about art, education and wellbeing.

Accompanying Event | Be There

Saturday 18 October, 1 – 2:30pm

Johnny Vegas and Emma Rodgers in conversation covering the breadth of their long-term collaboration and exploring some of the themes in the Just Be There artwork presented at this year’s Biennial. The event includes an opportunity to take part in an activity capturing the form of hand gestures in clay.

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