JOHAN CRETEN

With his innovative use of ceramics, he started working with clay in the late 1980s, when the medium was still seen as taboo in the contemporary art world. Famous for his allegorical sculptures in ceramic and bronze, Johan Creten continues since the 90's his representations of a world full of poetry, lyricism and mysteries. They underline the importance of beauty in his work, while reaffirming his humanist consciousness and the social and political resonance of his practice. In his creative process, Johan Creten mentions 'Slow art' and the need for a return to introspection and exploration of the world with its individual and societal torments.

A key figure in the revival of ceramics in contemporary art, the Paris-based artist Johan Creten (born in 1963) has been working in numerous locations for almost forty years, from Mexico to Rome, from Miami to The Hague.

Since the 1980s, when ceramics were still considered taboo in the art world, Johan Creten's dedication and innovation in clay have led to the development of unique and virtuoso techniques. Renowned for his allegorical sculptures in ceramic and bronze, Creten depicts a world full of poetry, lyricism, and mystery. Yet his work not only highlights the importance of beauty but also resonates socially and politically, affirming his humanist commitment. Johan Creten advocates for "Slow Art," a return to introspection and an exploration of the world with all its individual and social afflictions.

Today, Johan Creten's works are in the collections of prestigious museums such as the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Cité de la Céramique in Sèvres, and the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature.

In 2005, the artist was invited to create a dialogue between his works and those of Bernard Palissy (1510-1589) at the Louvre for the Contrepoint 2 exhibition. He is currently exhibiting at the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans (until 22 September 2024) and in the city itself (until summer 2025) in a solo show entitled Johan Creten. Playing with fire.

Text courtesy Perrotin.