Ferrin Contemporary (MA, USA) | Group Exhibition

March 4 – June 27, 2020

Kadri Pärnamets | On Nature/Nurture

This work is drawn from my roots. Focusing on the little simple things in nature, like bugs and their sounds, these things give us an understanding of time and space. Wherever I hear the sounds of the first fly in the spring or a mosquito buzz in summer I’m reminded of how important it is to keep balance in our surroundings and to appreciate the annual life cycles that begin from most ordinary and common things. Small matters.

'Nature/Nurture', Installation view, Crystal Morey, Kadri Parnamets, Mara Superior, 2020.


“My process involves collecting senses, feelings, observations and generally, following my intuition. “


“I use this thoughtful, meditative process to guide me towards the abstract forms and associated colors to express these internal, psychological thoughts. “

Kadri Pärnamets, ''Sultry Night'' 2019, porcelain, slip, glaze, 6 x 10.5 x 5.5".
Kadri Pärnamets, ''Sultry Night'' 2019, porcelain, slip, glaze, 6 x 10.5 x 5.5".


“The emotional content of my life is translated and expressed through shapes and colors.”

Kadri Pärnamets, 'Noon Dance' 2019, porcelain, slip, glaze, 8.5 x 9 x 4.5"
Kadri Pärnamets, "Moor" 2019, porcelain, slip, glaze, 8 x 9 x 6".

More on Ferrin Contemporary & Nature/Nurture

Nature/Nurture, a group exhibition of twelve contemporary female artists invited to explore the influence of gender and its impact on their practice.
Gallery director Leslie Ferrin wrote, “A renewed awareness and galvanizing commitment for change is surging through American cultural and academic institutions, organizations and businesses of every sort, exposing the crying need for structural change; specifically, the advancement of equality for artists of all genders and elimination of sexual harassment, wage discrimination and other forms of sexism that continue to affect the lives of women, transgender and non-binary individuals. As part of the movement to reverse and rebalance with new priorities and opening doors, it is crucial to offer opportunities to artists who have been historically marginalized.”

Seen as a whole, this group of twelve women artists who live and work throughout the USA, is representative of the rising tide of professional opportunities for women artists. While significant earnings and advancement gaps remain, a course correction is underway through the increasing number of gender and culturally specific exhibitions. As priorities shift for museum collections, educational public programming and private collectors, these efforts to course-correct are bringing recognition to artists previously overlooked and undervalued and to undocumented legacies. Nature/Nurture sought to contribute to and further this recognition.

Kadri Pärnamets, ''Spring Announcers'' 2019, porcelain, slip, glaze, 10.5 x 7 x 5".

Inspired by the important work of Judith Butler and Helen Longino, the artists in the show were invited to explore the influence of ‘Nature/Nurture’ within their practice. The work ranges from more direct interpretations of the natural world, to more abstract notions, such as the construction of gender, and endowed role of women.

“Possibility is not a luxury; it is as crucial as bread.”
― Judith Butler, Undoing Gender, 2004

Kadri Pärnamets, "Waggle Dance", 2019, porcelain, slip, glaze, 11.5 x 6.5 x 6".

PRESS & FEATURES:

Download the Press Release

Read Nature of Nurturing | Newsletter Series “On Nurturing” by Artists and Director

Artsy, Beautiful Bizarre, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE, WAMC, and The Rogovoy Report

ONLINE PROGRAMMING:

ZOOM/ONLINE PROGRAM | Women in Ceramics with Garth Johnson at Everson Museum of Art – Friday, May 15, 2020.

Learn More  & Watch the Video Recording