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Abigail Ozora Simpson

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Abigail Simpson


Abigail Ozora Simpson Abigail Ozora Simpson Ceramic Sculptor

room for rebellion by abigail ozora simpson


Abigail Ozora Simpson (born 1964) is a contemporary sculptor working in clay. Championed by prestigious New York gallerist Ralph Pucci, Abigail has had key solo shows in London, New York and New Zealand. Her work is in numerous private collections, including those of singer Annie Lennox and designer Donna Karan.

Contents

Biography

Abigail was born in London in 1964, Abigail studied acting at the Drama Centre, London (1983–1987). A stage career gave way to art as Abigail developed a deep affinity for working with clay. She set up her own studio in London’s Hoxton and worked as part of an artist collective at Standpoint Studios. International exhibitions and recognition led to The Observer describing Abigail as 'The It Girl Of Ceramics'. In 2008 Abigail moved to Kent. She currently works from an old ice-cream factory in Margate.

Style and Technique

Abigail's large scale ceramic sculptures are painstakingly constructed by hand from stoneware clay. Reminiscent of traditional African techniques, each sculpture is formed of single weighty coils. The hand rolled coils are carefully kneaded into place and left to dry before the next is added. The prints of her fingers and palms often remain an integral pattern on the works. Each sculpture is unique and can take between three weeks and three months to make. They are shaped, smoothed and scraped and then glazed. The sculptures are then fired up to three times at 1280 degrees in Abigail’s purpose built kiln.

Influences

Abigail cites her influences as fashion, architecture and the female form. Equally, she credits her parents as crucial to her approach to her art. Gallerist Rebecca Willer has recognised how Abigail makes ‘contemporary reference to timeless classical forms’ and has complimented ‘her ability to coax sensuous and elegant shapes from clay.’

Exhibitions

Solo Exhibitions

  • 1996 Lamont Gallery, London
  • 1997 Space, London
  • 1998 Lamont Gallery, London
  • 1998 Bowwow, London
  • 1999 Apartmento, Auckland, New Zealand
  • 2001 Standpoint Gallery, London
  • 2002 Interiors Bis, London
  • 2007 Willer, London
  • 2009 Hazel Collins, London
  • 2001 Ralph Pucci International, New York
  • 2004 Ralph Pucci International, New York
  • 2005 Ralph Pucci International, Miami
  • 2009 Ralph Pucci International, New York
  • 2012 Hazel Collins, London
  • 2013 Willer, London
  • Group Exhibitions

  • 1996 Whitechapel Open, Standpoint Gallery, London
  • 1997 ‘Art 97’ London Contemporary Art Fair
  • 1997 Hidden Art Of Hackney, Standpoint Gallery, London
  • 1998 Olympia Fine Art Fair, London
  • 1998 ‘Art98’ London Contemporary Art Fair, London
  • 1999 Hidden Art Of Hackney, Standpoint Gallery, London
  • 1999 ‘Art 99’ London Contemporary Art Fair, London
  • References

    Abigail Ozora Simpson Wikipedia