101

Peter Voulkos

1924-2002

Untitled vessel, (CR703.7-G), 1973

Glazed stoneware and porcelain
Signed and dated underside: V O U L K O S 7 3
6" H x 6.75" W x 6.5" D

  • Provenance:
    Sold: Bonhams Los Angeles: Tuesday, October 27, 2015, Lot 02099
    The Chara Schreyer Estate, acquired from the above
  • Exhibited:
    Tokyo, Japan, Sezon Museum of Art, "Peter Voulkos Retrospective," January 22 - February 20, 1995, another work illustrated [also traveled to Kyoto, Japan, National Museum of Modern Art, February 28 - April 2, 1995].
  • Notes:
    Peter Voulkos was an American artist and sculptor, renowned for his revolutionary work in ceramics that fused elements of traditional pottery with abstract expressionism, fundamentally reshaping the field. Born in Bozeman, Montana, Voulkos initially studied painting and ceramics at Montana State University and later earned an MFA in ceramics from the California College of the Arts. His early influences were shaped by his Greek heritage and the rugged landscapes of Montana, which inspired his bold approach to texture and form.

    In the 1950s, Voulkos emerged as a key figure in the West Coast art scene, pioneering a shift from ceramics as functional ware to ceramics as an expressive art form. He developed a unique style that combined spontaneity and aggression, often tearing, gouging, and layering clay in ways that defied traditional techniques. He worked with large-scale forms, often stacking, cutting, and perforating his pieces in a way that evoked the energy of abstract expressionist painting. This approach broke the norms of the ceramic medium, making him a celebrated figure in the mid-20th-century avant-garde movement.

    Voulkos founded influential ceramics programs at the Los Angeles County Art Institute (now Otis College of Art and Design) and later at the University of California, Berkeley, where he inspired generations of artists. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Today, Voulkos's works are held in major museum collections around the world, recognized for their raw energy and their challenge to the boundaries between art and craft. His legacy continues to shape contemporary ceramics, inspiring artists to push the limits of materials and process.
  • Condition: Overall good condition with shelf wear, scattered minor scuffs, and inherent firing flaws commensurate with age. Felt pads applied to underside, unobtrusive to marks.

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November 19, 2024 12:00 PM PST
Monrovia, CA, US

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