October 3 – November 3, 2006

CHARLES KRAFFT: CERAMIC SABOTAGE


Seattle artist Charles Krafft utilizes the traditional techniques and materials of Delft figurative porcelain painting to explore the sometimes-Orwellian realities of our times. Images of wars, fires, murders, Nazi atrocities, and artistic angst arise from his ceramic objects, rather than quaint windmills or peasants in folk costume. In addition to commemorative plates and plaques, Krafft creates porcelain AK-47s, grenades, and mortar rounds. "Contemporary art should be relevant to our lives and experiences," Krafft has said. "The time we live in produces curious and splendid souvenirs of the events we live through." Graphics, collages, paintings, assemblages, and human bone china reliquaries (Spone ™) round out his disturbingly evocative yet compelling oeuvre.

For additional information concerning the gallery program and visiting artist lecture series, contact:

Jo Farb Hernandez, Director
Natalie and James Thompson Galleries
San Jose State University
School of Art and Design,
ART 129A
San Jose, CA 95192-0089
telephone: (408) 924 - 4328
fax: (408) 924 - 4326