Protective Linings, 2019

Alex Hodge   New & remarkable Artists

Protective Linings Carved porcelain plate 2019 One of a kind.

 Hodge 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. 

 This artwork presents a striking portrait of a stylized figure, rendered in bold turquoise and white. Encased within an oval frame, the figure's geometric and abstract features are accentuated against a background of brick patterns. The subject's elongated neck, adorned with intricate, vertical designs, contrasts sharply with the linear precision of the short-cropped hair. The subtle incorporation of triangular shapes into the clothing adds a layer of complexity, while the oversized eyes and sharp nose evoke a sense of introspection. The interplay of pattern and form creates a dynamic balance, inviting the viewer to explore both the simplicity and depth of this captivating piece. The handcrafted border enhances its uniqueness, reinforcing the artistic commitment to detail and symmetry. This artwork boldly captures a blend of modern expressionism with traditional influences.

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.