LOOK ALIKES: The Decal Plates of Howard Kottler
Organized by the Tacoma Art Museum, LOOK ALIKES: The Decal Plates of Howard Kottler, is a nationally traveling exhibition of significant works by prominent American ceramist Howard Kottler.
This original body of work, which consists of 60 porcelain plates created by Kottler between the 1960s and 1980s, has never been analyzed as a whole until now. The exhibition illustrates the wit and irony of this notable Northwest artist whose works challenged conventional notions of gender, politics, religion and art.
Look Alikes presents a survey of Kottler’s decal plates that impart multiple messages and reflect the rebellious spirit of the time. The combination of Kottler’s nonconformist medium and sardonic messages implies a rejection of tradition and conventional social norms.
About the Artist
Howard Kottler (1930–1989), a former University of Washington professor, is known for rejecting traditional studio ceramic practices that emphasized and valued hand-made objects.
Contrary to the studio potters who wedged clay and calculated glazes for plate-making, Kottler created his works with mass-produced, store-bought plates and commercial decals.
The decals he chose included reproductions of well-known images such as Leonardo DaVinci’s The Last Supper and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Kottler altered these images, often with political intent, by cutting and combining the decals and then affixing them to inexpensive white porcelain plates, which he purchased in bulk.
ASU Art Museum Presentation
Organized by Vicki Halper, independent curator, LOOK ALIKES: The Decal Plates of Howard Kottler will be installed in the Arizona State University Art Museum’s Ceramics Research Center location.
Duration
LOOK ALIKES: The Decal Plates of Howard Kottler (April 15 through August 27, 2005) is open at the ASU Art Museum: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Support
Original funding for the exhibition provided by the Howard Kottler Testamentary Trust. The ASU Art Museum presentation of this exhibition and programs are supported in part by Friends of the ASU Art Museum.
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