Elizabeth Caffrey

In her first solo show, ceramics artist Elizabeth Caffrey continues to use biomorphic forms as a vehicle for her concerns and themes. However, these recent works offer a more direct and pointed vehicle for this internal narrative than previously.

Botanical and biological forms merge in the exploration of themes of fertility, transformation and personal concerns, and to this end Caffrey makes use of an immensely rich, inventive and potent visual vocabulary. A hand sprouts branches and roots, hearts sprout shoots that grow towards the light, the corrupted roots of a tree mimic human lungs, leafy tree forms lie together in sinuous embrace. The works are in white ceramic throughout, concentrating on the interaction of form and texture, with judicious and highly effective blackening added for dramatic emphasis.

The three rooms in the gallery provide the opportunity for three thematic strands: one nurturing and optimistic, one addressing the ongoing relationship between mankind and the environment, one a poignant and personal tribute to the Mexican artists, Frida Kahlo.

Caffrey pushes the boundaries of her medium to the limits, and the results are startling, delicate and exquisite. If any misguided belief still exists that ceramics are a "second class" art form, then this exhibition is surely its refutation.

Runs until May 29th.