NN Gallery proudly presents the first solo exhibition in Malaysia by ceramic artist Norleen Nosri from 4th June till 25th June 2006. The exhibition will feature Norleen’s new works comprised of stackable teapots, either raku fired - white with black cracklings and luster turquoise with black cracklings - or celadon teapots with gold glazes.
The aptly entitled Storied Teapots is a play on both the architectural / sculptural aspect of the multi stacked teapots as well as the storyline as told by the design and characters carved on the teapots itself.
Born in Klang and currently based in Missouri, Norleen Nosri is an emerging new talent in the applied arts. Her passion for ceramics, first nurtured by her Professors Sidney Larson and Tom Watson at Columbia University, saw her transferred to the University of Missouri Columbia in the School of Art in 1999. In 2000 Norleen Nosri was accepted into the Fine Arts Program in ceramics where she studied under Stephen Robison and Robert Bede Clarke.
Norleen Nosri’s ceramic designs are influenced by the utilitarian; objects used in everyday life but with a twist. Infusing sculptural elements and skillful firing techniques, Norleen Nosri’s ceramics allude to the melody and memories of our childhood. Whimsical and playful her works are tactile and functional.
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Her stackable three teapots are certainly the highlight of the show. Using the luminous green celadon glaze, each teapot, the largest anchoring the medium and small sizes are detachable but seen as one. Robust bodied with a pouty spout, Norleen carefully incises oriental emblems, such as love and double happiness set in ornate lattice work found in woodcarving before glazing. Each pot holds a mythical animal guardian resting on the lid and on the handles. Norleen uses honeysuckle wood found in Missouri that is stained and lacquered for handles. This wood has visual qualities of bamboo which further emphasise the Orientalness and charm of the teapots.
Her bowls and plates resemble a stylized form of the lotus flower. Again the celadon green is used on the outer shell and to contrast a golden glaze is applied for the inside. Elegant and minimal, her works pay homage to the simplicity and artistry of Ching dynasty wares, playing with monochromatic colours and away from embellishment.
Apart from her ceramics, Norleen Nosri is also active as a ceramic teacher introducing ceramics to children and adults, in the School of Service Program. The School provides facilities for handicapped students and scholarships for low income families. Norleen Nosri is continuing her studies and will soon pursue a Masters in Fine Arts in ceramics.
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