Gedula Ogen (1929 – 2022) was a leading ceramic artist and part of a group of artists that developed a material language unique to Israeli art. Her creative oeuvre spanned seven decades and was based on a deep notion that material is a living entity, unlimited and bears meaning and memory.
In the 50’s of the previous century, at the time when Ogen began her professional path in the studio of Hedwig Grosman (1902 – 1995), she focused on figurative work, figures, animals and vessels, works that maintained the earthy raw clay look.
In her works one sees her search for local forms, based on influences of geographical and cultural traditions. Ogen was deeply moved by the history of the land of Israel and its natural materials. Her works echoed the land and its various shades (desert colors: yellows, browns and reds) as well as the deep cultural roots in the Middle East.
Ogen learnt to feel the special energy in the meeting between hand and clay when working on the wheel “this is energy that takes me to other shores” said Ogen.
In the 60’s and 70s Ogen began large scale work – reliefs, ceramic wall murals and architectural installations that influenced the making of the Israeli public space. She combined natural materials with geometric forms and maintained a dialog between craft, locality and a rich syntax of form.
In the 80’s and 90’s Ogen began making ceramic sculptures expressing memory, feelings and personal stories. She continued making animals but not on the wheel, rather as free sculpture using earth, concrete and straw, and a more abstract approach where texture and form express emotions and deep narratives.
Ogen viewed ceramics not only as an artistic medium but living evidence of human history from ancient pottery and archaeology to contemporary sculpture. With this attitude she combined in her works elements of ancient clay pots with modern forms using new textures and daring colors “I learn to distinguish between clay connections that are letters and syllables that have more energy and future than the finished product”.
Over the years Ogen became a leading ceramic artist in Israel working alongside other makers focusing on local identity. In her material journey, Ogen ingrained the concept of “the truth of the material” which influenced many of her students.
Ogen left a large body of work, evidence of her commitment to clay and her ability to create a unique artistic language combining tradition and innovation.
Curator: Einav Barness Eliasov
Opening: Thursday, 17/7/2025, 19:30
Gallery talk: Friday, 15/8/2025, 11:30
Closing: Saturday, 30/8/2025, 14:00
The exhibition is by courtesy of the Ogen family
Journalism:
Clay Anchor- a journey through the work of Gedula Ogen, MutualArt
