Mara Superior, “Wake Up! America/Save Democracy”, 2024, high fired English porcelain, ceramic underglaze and oxides, Cornwall stone glaze, gold leaf, 18 x 13 x 1.75″, John Polak Photography
“Wake up America !! The house is on fire: A Porlcelain Wake Up Call”
Notes from Mara Superior, Ferrin Contemporary, & Managing Director Alex Renee
Mara Superior is an American visual artist who works in porcelain. Superior’s Political & Environmental Artworks Series, showcase her profound engagement with contemporary social and environmental issues through the medium of ceramics. Superior’s works blend traditional craftsmanship with modern thematic concerns, creating pieces that are not only visually striking but also thought-provoking. Intricate designs and detailed compositions reflect a deep concern for the state of the world, addressing topics such as social, political, and climate change issues.
Superior has produced masterworks of her career in this series making complex works that are in major private and public collections across the US. Beginning with “Bushwacked” (2008) (Private Collection) and “The Great Recession of 2008 — Piggy Bankers” (2008) (The Chipstone Foundation), these works were produced during and coinciding with political elections, revelations about the environmental impact of global warming and societal movements that resonated with collectors and curators:
“Bushwacked” (2008) (Private Collection), “The Great Recession of 2008 — Piggy Bankers” (2008) (The Chipstone Foundation), “Tulipomania” (2009) (Philadelphia Museum of Art), “Smart Planet” (2009) (Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Museum of Art), “Obama White House” (2010) (RISD Museum), “Black Swan Platter, A Rarity” (2010) (Racine Art Museum).
A mix of private and public interest in the works across the US was bolstered in 2012-2015 with the commission of “The Pursuit of Happiness” (2012-2015) (Collection of Barry & Merle Ginsburg).
This American tribute to the founding fathers and the best of 18th-century American democratic ideals was completed in 2015, the architectural stacked porcelain commemorative sculpture uses symbols and references drawn from history and decorative arts including miniature presidential portraits, busts, The Declaration of Independence, and an apple pie.
“The sculpture is not political, but historical and patriotic,
and reflective of early American history,” Barry Ginsburg.
“We’re far from being solely ‘political,’” Merle added. “The activities we engage in are to support people to be able to grow and live where they want to, and to work against the sense of inequality in the way women, and people in general, are treated.” The signs of true modernism could not be better described.
ㅡ Slesin, Suzanne. “Patriotic Passions.” Galerie Magazine, Sept. 2016, p. 176.
Linked HERE is an article “Patriotic Passions” about the Ginsburgs
Mara Superior, “The Pursuit of Happiness”, 2012–2015, porcelain, glaze, wood, gold leaf, brass, bone, paper, 27.5 x 25 x 20″.
Mara returned to the series next in 2018-2019. New works as well as pieces made in the preceding decade, were purchased by independent collectors, and through 2019, gifted to institutions across the US through the Kohler Art Foundation’s generous support.
Sixteen museums throughout the USA increased the public holdings of Superior’s artworks.
- ALBANY INSTITUTE OF HISTORY AND ART
- BENNINGTON MUSEUM
- CHAZEN MUSEUM OF ART
- CROCKER ART MUSEUM
- CURRIER MUSEUM OF ART
- EVERSON MUSEUM OF ART
- FULLER CRAFT MUSEUM
- HOOD MUSEUM OF ART
- LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART
- MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON
- PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM
- RACINE ART MUSEUM
- RISD MUSEUM
- THE CHIPSTONE FOUNDATION
- THE FRICK PITTSBURGH
- THE RENWICK GALLERY | SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM
“2020/USA/Vote/America”(2019), “Who is in Charge, America?” (2019), “Only One Planet Earth” (2019), “Le DoDo” (2019), “Polar Distress” (2021), selected for exhibition at Bernardaud in “HEY! CÉRAMIQUE.S” will return from their France Tour to the US this Fall.
“I’m Concerned About You America – All American Turkey” (2020) (Private Collection), “The Ice is Melting, (Five-finger Vase)” (2022), would all follow in singular works, adding to the artist’s queue of current works available for acquisition.
Now, over two decades since she began work in this vein, Mara continues to feel compelled to craft objects that draw attention to the chapters of our nation’s history. “Last Salmon” (2023) and “Presidential Cups” (2010-2023) were recently featured in Our America/Whose America?, and with the upcoming Presidential election on the horizon in 2024, Mara has produced her newest pieces in her Political & Environmental Series.
These pieces position iconic figures and monuments from US history against contemporary candidates and their policies, bridging the gap between the foundations of our nation and the future of democracy. As the nation faces changes to its branches and powers, Superior faces the news and current events and chooses to participate rather than inactively watching as the decisions come to pass:
“Being fully aware of the difference between art and propaganda… as an artist, my work is my narrative, the totality of who I am is channeled through my work. I follow my instincts and go with what rises to the top of my priority list for making. Political themes seem most pressing right at this moment. This work enables me to feel as if I am participating in something very important and contributing to the national dialogue. I will be very happy to get back to my passion for the history of art ASAP~ after we save American Democracy!
American Democracy was a brilliant “idea”, crafted together by our founding fathers in the 18th century during the “Age of Enlightenment”. They were inspired by “Athenian Democracy” from 507 B.C. “Rule by the people” = power of the people. The work of a democracy is to educate its population to make informed decisions while voting. We the people, discuss, debate, compromise, vote, and move forward.
The radical and most brilliant part that the founders decided to add to the “Declaration of Independence” in 1796 is that; “All men are created equal” have inalienable rights and are entitled to “Life, Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness”. Because of these words, America has been a beacon to the world ever since representing the best of humanity’s values championing human rights justice for all, freedom, the rule of law, and a Western civilization continuum.”
Using her art to comment on the pressing issues of our time, Superior invites viewers to reflect on their roles in global challenges. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for art to inspire change and provoke meaningful dialogue. Each piece is a testament to her commitment to using her creative talents to address the most urgent issues facing humanity today.
Ferrin Contemporary
Copy by Mara Superior, Ferrin Contemporary, and Alex Renee, 2024
SEE MARA SUPERIOR IN PERSON:
PROJECT ART & AMERICAN CERAMIC CIRCLE LUNCH
Ferrin Contemporary Open during the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour
SATURDAY, July 27
12:30 – 2:00 ACC LUNCH at Project Art, Cummington, MA
American Ceramics Circle and their guests are invited to gather at Project Art to enjoy a casual lunch with friends, meet other members, compare notes and explore the former mill building, now the home of Ferrin Contemporary, gallery, library and archives.
Ferrin Contemporary offers works for sale and study by resident & visiting artists including:
ARTISTS ON VIEW: Russell Biles, Sergei Isupov, Kadri Parnamets, Peter Pincus, Linda Sikora, Paul Scott and Mara Superior. Also on view are selected works from Ferrin’s collection of souvenir plates, figurines and commemorative ceramics recently featured in Our America/Whose America?
4:30 – 6:00 Williamsburg, MA
ACC is invited to gather for light snacks and cool drinks at the home/studio of Mara Superior. Mara’s home is filled with collections, spanning the history of her own work, antique ceramics, and library. In addition, tour the sculpture studio of her late husband, Roy Superior. Mara is an American visual artist who works in porcelain. Her ceramic high relief platters and sculptural objects reflect the artist’s passion for art history and the decorative arts, and her painterly motifs range from the pleasures of the domestic to serious political and environmental issues as points of departure to comment on contemporary culture and its relationship to history.Directions: Park at the Meekins Library 2 Williams St, Williamsburg and walk a short distance to the house – 8 Williams Street (Rte 9), Williamsburg, MA contact phone is 413.268.7904
4:30 – 6:00 Williamsburg, MA
About Mara Superior
About Roy Superior
MARA SUPERIOR ON VIEW & UPCOMING | 2024
Hey! Ceramique.s
group exhibition
on view now through August 14, 2024
featuring Chris Antemann, Crystal Morey, Mara Superior
Museum of La Halle Saint Pierre
Paris, France
HEY! CERAMIQUE.S Exhibition Installation featuring Mara Superior, Musee de la Halle Saint Pierre, Paris, France. Photo Courtesy of Musee de la Halle Saint Pierre
Portland Vase: Mania and Muse
group exhibition
on view now through September 8, 2024
Featuring Chris Antemann, Peter Pincus, & Mara Superior
Crocker Art Museum
Sacramento, California
Portland Vase: Mania and Muse Exhibition Installation featuring Mara Superior’s Teapot of Survival (Portland Vase), 2023, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA. Photo Courtesy of Crocker Art Museum.
ARTIST NEWS
Ferrin Contemporary’s newsletters connect artists, collectors, art professionals and the media with exhibitions and opportunities to learn more about artist practices, works on view and new work taking place in the studios.
now located at ProjectArt at 54 Main Street in Cummington, MAOpen by appointment Winter – Spring.
Contact us to arrange a visit in person or by zoom
info@ferrincontemporary.com
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