Shana Nys Dambrot
Ceramicist Alex Anderson’s practice is equally defined by its culturally and existentially engaged perspectives and its historically-minded and materially daring technical accomplishments. A gifted and dedicated student of experimental forms and methods, Anderson courts the optical seduction of a good glaze, building off the sparkling appeal of delicate beauty to start heady, more tactile conversations on identity, race, gender, power, nature, industry, and illusion. With influences from artists and designers across not only continents but centuries, Anderson’s aggregate lexicon of form, surface, and color moves between figure and pure shape, but always seeks transcendence.
More recently, Anderson’s attentions have turned to an esoteric, philosophical framework for his sculptural evolutions. His latest exhibition is on view through April 6 at Sargent’s Daughters in the still-expanding Melrose Hill gallery district, and unpacks an explicit quest to understand more about what it fundamentally, truly means to be alive. The gallery will also be featuring his work in their presentation at this week’s Felix Art Fair at the Hollywood Roosevelt.
Alex Anderson, Daisy Chain, 2024, earthenware, glaze, gold luster, 22 x 22 x 3 in (Courtesy of Sargent’s Daughters)
L.A. WEEKLY: When did you first know you were an artist?
ALEX ANDERSON: I always wanted to be an artist, and I realized I had become one when the field also started to see value in the products of my perspective.
What is your short answer to people who ask what your work is about?
My work is about what it means to be alive today.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an artist?
I would be a lawyer.
Alex Anderson, Floating Halo, 2024, Porcelain, Glaze, Gold Luster, 23 x 13 x 5 in (Courtesy of Sargent’s Daughters)
Did you go to art school? Why/Why not?
I went to a liberal arts college for undergrad and an art school for my MFA. I wanted the freedom, breadth, and critical thinking skills offered by a liberal arts college and the later focus and intensity of a rigorous graduate program in art.
Why do you live and work in L.A., and not elsewhere?
My current solo show at Sargent’s Daughters West is titled Everything is made of light. The light in L.A. is unique and the energy is palpable. When my work explores the social world, it is very American and very L.A. L.A. also has a significant role in positioning ceramics within the contemporary canon, and I want to be part of that.
Alex Anderson, A meeting, 2024, earthenware, glaze, 24 x 18 x 5.5 in. (Courtesy of Sargent’s Daughters)
When is your current/most recent show or project?
My current solo show at Sargent’s Daughters West is about the energy that animates and connects everything alive, but this excerpt from the gallery press release says it best: “These innovative forms coincide with Anderson’s deepening investigation into spiritual practices and esoteric philosophy. As the title of the exhibition indicates, Anderson’s recent research has centered around concepts of animacy and energy, including the work of 11th century mystic Hildegard von Bingen. The artist does not view this as a shift away from his past bodies of work, which have explored contemporary politics, racial identity, and consumption. Rather, Everything is made of light is another phase in his interrogation of what it means to be alive in the present moment. By focusing on the metaphysical underpinnings of daily life, Anderson’s work offers a novel vantage point on desire, suffering, pleasure, and materiality.”
Alex Anderson, Make friends with suffering, 2024, earthenware, glaze, 24 x 11 x 14.5 in (Courtesy of Sargent’s Daughters)
What artist living or dead would you most like to show or work with?
Alex Da Corte. And then we could get married.
Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what?
Kim Petras on repeat.
Socials:
IG: @100alexanderson
Alex Anderson, Energy Cat, 2024, earthenware, glaze, 13 x 12 x 7 in (Courtesy of Sargent’s Daughters)
Alex Anderson, Infinity 1, 2024, stoneware, glaze, 14.5 x 10 x 10 in. (Courtesy of Sargent’s Daughters)
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