Queen Dogū Venus, 2023

Ceramic
31 x 17 x 32 cm
12 1/4 x 6 3/4 x 12 5/8 inches
Ceramicist Shayne Phua interrogates histories and socio-cultural formations through the shapes of traditional vessels, often transforming functional objects into ornate, baroque curiosities, with the cumulative effect bordering on the uncanny. She is also fascinated by fountains, and their connection to the ceramic medium through the element of water. “I enjoy the fountain's ability to breathe life”, she observes, “into the sculptural forms with moving water. What’s interesting is that, in the process of making a ceramic work, water is a crucial medium, but upon completion, it is crucial to get rid of it. To introduce water back to the medium that once held itself together is a rather poetic reunion.” Another commonly seen motif in the artist’s vessels are the designs and patterns of vintage pastry molds, especially those used for savoury Teochew treats, such as peng kway (“rice cake”). A collector of these molds, she remarks, “I’m captivated by their symbolic nature, representing the humblest of crafts. The collection of molds from unknown craftsmen in the past allows for the possibility to combine works from different parts of the world, at different points in time, in a single piece. Each piece of pastry-shaped clay is a sculptural form on its own, and has the potential of creating a new form when carefully arranged and combined.” Courtesy Yeo Workshop.
More Works by Shayne Phua at Yeo Workshop Related WorksArtworks
Ocula discover the best in contemporary art icon.
Yeo Workshop
Stay ahead
Receive updates on new artworks,
exhibitions and articles.
Your personal data is held in accordance with our privacy policy.
Follow
Do you have an Ocula account?
Ocula discover the best in contemporary art icon.
Get Access
Join Ocula to request price and availability of artworks, exhibition price lists and build a collection of favourite artists, galleries and artworks.
Do you have an Ocula account? Login
What best describes your interest in art?

Subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming exhibitions, available works, events and more.
By clicking Sign Up or Continue with Facebook or Google, you agree to Ocula's Terms & Conditions. Your personal data is held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Thank you for joining us. Just one more thing...
Soon you will receive an email asking you to complete registration. If you do not receive it then you can check and edit the email address you entered.
Close
Thank you for joining us.
You can now request price and availability of artworks, exhibition price lists and build a collection of favourite artists, galleries and artworks.
Close
Welcome back to Ocula
Enter your email address and password below to login.
Reset Password
Enter your email address to receive a password reset link.
Reset Link Sent
We have sent you an email containing a link to reset your password. Simply click the link and enter your new password to complete this process.
Login