Ikon presents Break the Mould, the final exhibition in a trilogy exploring craft, art school pedagogies and contemporary art practice. This show focuses on ceramics, positioning clay as a site of experimentation. Break the Mould transforms the gallery into a laboratory for residencies, collaborative making and public engagement. Throughout the exhibition visitors will see artists at work and take part in activities that bring the process of making to life. 

Break the Mould brings together leading ceramicists and contemporary artists who challenge traditional boundaries of craft. Resident artists Jack Ky Tan, Halima Cassell and Roo Dhissou will work in the gallery during the exhibition, alongside artworks by Kara Chin, Mark Essen and Laurie Ramsell.  The exhibition also hosts two Birmingham ceramics workshops; Sundragon Community Pottery, a not-for-profit organisation in Balsall Heath; and Modern Clay, an artist-led cooperative clay studio in Digbeth.  

Schools and colleges are invited to book onto BCU Explore Days at Ikon that introduce post-16 learners to a range of innovative 3D modelling techniques with academic leads from Art, Product Design and Architecture courses. Ikon Youth Programme, funded by Freelands Foundation, will stage a ‘take over’ of the gallery space with Modern Clay during the summer holidays.

The exhibition is co-curated by Daphne Chu, Ikon Curator, and Will Kew, Ikon’s Education Coordinator. Daphne Chu said “Break the Mould shows clay as a material that transforms. It links past traditions with future possibilities.”  Will Kew adds “This is a space for making and learning together. It’s about care, creativity and sharing ideas.” 

This exhibition is generously supported by Jerwood Foundation, Freelands Foundation and ai. gallery.