Matea Bakula

In Matea Bakula’s work materials often transcend their modest origins. She arrives at this transformation by interrogating the material, pushing it to its limits, responding to its reactions and needs. Clay, in that sense, is la mer à boire. Where even to begin? Perhaps ‘good practice’ is the most obvious place to ask for trouble? Use four different clays in one press mould. Roll used clay into a slab of fresh clay and ply it into a cylinder; don’t join the seams properly. The results attest to Bakula’s sculptural savvy. Large fossilised eggs nested like matryoshka dolls seem to burst out of their consecutive shells. Dozens of standing cylinders evoke ancient natural or cultural remains salvaged from the ashes. Material research and the traces of making are clearly visible while taking on a life of their own. And this is just the beginning: the clay hasn’t been truly tested yet.