The Fruits of Our Labor, 2019

Alex Hodge   New & remarkable Artists

The Fruits of Our Labor 2019 Porcelain and gold 14.5 in x 5 in x 4.5 One of a kind.

 “This piece is part of the Historic Jar collection and references Paul Gauguin’s painting titled “Two Tahitian Women.” By reinventing the composition so that the women are nourishing one another, the original, highly objectifying work is countered with the feminine gaze and an understanding of how women relate to and provide for one another.” Her poetic porcelain plates examine and reimagine the history of art in a way that values women, not only in body, but in wholeness, power, and love. Focusing on the narrative qualities of art-making, Hodge weaves stories into the clay which are both personal and universal. 

 Alex Hodge was always drawn to the arts and regularly channeled her creativity as a child whether in watercolor classes or scrapbooking with her mother. Hodge focuses on prioritizing women’s narratives in all aspects of her work. Through the decorative and symbolic details, she hints at narratives without completing them to invite the viewer to participate in creating meaning. The women she invents exist in the present but is of the imagined future in which we all have room to flourish, to tell our stories, to give and receive love, and to express the beauty and pain of the human condition. Fundamentally, her artworks are a celebration of the tenacity and vulnerability of women and clay, an interplay of history and hope.

This striking sculpture presents two figures engaged in interaction atop a cylindrical pedestal. Crafted in a monochromatic palette with subtle earthy tones, the figures exhibit minimalist detail, emphasizing their form and connection. The pedestal itself is a canvas of intricate geometric patterns and swirling lines, combining traditional motifs with contemporary flair. This juxtaposition of detailed base and simplistic figures creates a powerful visual contrast. The piece elegantly explores themes of communication and relationship, inviting viewers to ponder the narrative between the two figures. Its craftsmanship and design highlight the artist's deft ability to blend cultural symbolism with modern artistic expression. This artwork stands as a testament to the dynamic interplay of traditional and modern elements in ceramic artistry.