A new body of work by Johnny Vegas in collaboration with sculptor Emma Rodgers will be unveiled at the next British Ceramics Biennial, which opens at Spode Works in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent on 6 September.
New commission features hugs captured in clay
Just Be There – an avenue of hugs captured in clay – addresses the beauty and transience of physical contact and interaction. Conceived by Johnny and created in collaboration with local people from Stoke-on-Trent, the installation records fleeting moments: fixing hugs into clay and making them permanent.
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. To get to and from the wall, visitors will need to walk through the avenue of hugs, which represent often unspoken emotions of love and contentment.
Johnny Vegas comments: ‘The wall is an invitation to those who don’t get art, to those who are unhappy, to those who feel bitterness. It’s an invitation to tell it to the wall – to let it out on the wall and do something a bit destructive. Once they’ve done that, they can walk back through the avenue without resentment for love and contentment.’
He continues: ‘Let it out, by all means let it out, but never let go of love. Never let go of that hug.’
Learn more about Just Be There.
About the Artists
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, Johnny 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. Emma’s practice pushes the boundaries of materials, be they clay, bronze or steel. She is passionate about art, education and wellbeing.
A selection of the hugged forms from Just Be There will be for sale for £800 each. All proceeds will go back to British Ceramics Biennial, an arts charity, to help fund its year-round programme of artist commissions, education and community projects.
Artist Talk – Be There: Johnny Vegas and Emma Rodgers
On 18 October, Johnny Vegas and Emma Rodgers will be in conversation at a special British Ceramics Biennial event, when they will be discussing the breadth of their long-term collaboration and exploring some of the themes in the Just Be There artwork. The event includes an opportunity to take part in an activity capturing the form of hand gestures in clay.
British Ceramics Biennial is a six-week celebration of clay and ceramics showcasing bold new work by over 60 artists across exhibitions, films, talks and events. Set in the iconic Spode Works in Stoke-on-Trent, it celebrates the city’s industrial heritage and creative spirit. British Ceramics Biennial runs from 6 September to 19 October.
For more press information please contact Iliana Taliotis mail@ilianataliotis.com
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