Cecil Kemperink

The Dutch artist Cecil Kemperink creates delicate chain sheets that are comprised of hundreds of interconnected ceramic hoops. The chains are displayed in piles forming tangible and malleable sculptures which are, at the same time, oppressively huge and immensely fragile.

Kemperink tends to use a muted color palette which beautifully highlights the clay’s natural tone. Often times, she uses subtle ombre colorations to accentuate the various parts within each finished piece. The artist has a background in both dance and fashion; and she feels as though the sculptures show a connection between the two distinct passions. According to Kemperink, she investigates space and plays with rhythm, form, movement, energy, and sound.

Part of Kemperink’s magic is that the viewer can actively participate in the work. Movement is an important part of the expressiveness of the work. Movement also points to the importance of connections… how each slight variation has an effect on every ring. Each and every piece is essential and has an affect on another. Here, the “Domino Effect” is full-steam ahead.

Aside from the beauty of the ceramic rings that Kemperink makes, the sounds that come from the pieces touching each other is like no other. Picking up rings that are heaped together sounds similar to a peaceful wind-chime. The rings’ movement is random and unexpected.

About her work, Kemperink says, “In my work, movement, balance, connection and wonder are important themes. Time also plays a role: intensive labor and repetitive actions make many components that together form the work. The work is made up of rings of clay and can be shaped in different ways. The movement of the work that changes shape and sound results in a “wider” image. Movement and change have become the standard.”