Unfolding - #128
This translucent porcelain bowl by Antoinette Badenhorst rises from a wheel‑thrown pedestal into a hand‑built, sculpted form that emerges into unfolding flower petals. Each petal‑like curve is shaped, carved, and refined by hand, revealing the artist’s deep understanding of porcelain’s responsiveness and its demanding nature. The thin, luminous walls glow warmly when illuminated, showcasing the material’s translucency and the technical mastery required to achieve such delicacy.
The contrast between the satin‑smooth exterior and the radiant interior creates a dynamic interplay of shadow and light, inviting viewers to experience the piece as both vessel and sculpture. The elevated pedestal adds a sense of presence and poise, lifting the organic form into a space where it can be contemplated as a contemporary ceramic artwork.
Badenhorst’s decades of research into porcelain behavior—its plasticity, fragility, and pyroplastic movement—are evident in the bowl’s confident balance and fluid silhouette. This piece stands as a refined example of studio porcelain, suitable for curated collections, museum exhibitions, and galleries seeking work that bridges technical excellence with sculptural expression.
7 x 7.5 x 4.25