ABOUT KENZA

Kenza Gray, a contemporary ceramic artist based in Norwich, England, challenges traditional perceptions of pottery by exploring the transformative potential of destructive methods within her practice.

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She views her artworks as durational pieces, where the process holds equal significance to the final outcome. Through her work, Kenza seeks to reflect the complexities of the modern world and question society's increasing desensitisation towards violent imagery.

Kenza's distinct approach, which she describes as 'destructive pottery', draws upon the ideologies of auto-destructive art and artists, translating these principles into the medium of ceramics. By intentionally introducing elements of violence to her pottery, she challenges the prevailing stereotype of ceramics as a purely peaceful art form, creating a juxtaposition between brutality and fragility.

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Her notable 'Shot Series', featuring ceramic vessels and slabs which have been shot with a shotgun, directly confronts the desensitisation to violence in contemporary society, compelling viewers to reconsider the implications of destructive acts within a traditionally precise and serene art practice. The use of a gun allows viewers to confront their own standing point within contemporary society.

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Constantly experimenting with clay, Kenza is passionate about creating pieces that are both aesthetically compelling and intellectually provocative. The unpredictable nature of the destructive impacts ensures each mark is unique, resulting in one-of-a-kind artworks.

While Kenza's artistic practice is largely informed by her academic background in Art History (BA) and Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (MA), her unique approach is shaped by her self-taught experimentation and deep engagement with theoretical frameworks rather than formal art school training.