Ceramic artist Magdalene Odundo's exhibition at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, featuring works that integrate into the historical setting of the Palladian mansion, is on display until September 29, 2024. Odundo, recognized for her work with ceramics and glass that often resemble human features, is the first Black artist and woman to hold an exhibition in this venue. Her pieces, including a notable terracotta vessel and a white clay tea set, subtly blend into the mansion’s environment, echoing its historical themes and interacting with its legacy, which includes ties to the history of slavery.
One of the highlights is a newly created work made in collaboration with Wedgwood, which uses historical molds to construct a narrative about slavery and colonialism. This piece is particularly stark, featuring symbols of enslavement and references to abolitionist movements. The exhibition not only showcases Odundo’s craft but also prompts reflections on the complex histories of the settings her works inhabit.