Simply radical: contemporary ceramics at the Musée Ariana

The exhibition at the Musée Ariana, devoted to the Bern-based artist Margareta Daepp, showcases contemporary ceramics. Open until 24 September 2023.

Silence, discipline, freshness, colour, emptiness, space. The world of the Bern-based ceramicist, Margareta Daepp (1959), is at the crossroads of all these notions. The radical simplicity of her works is compact, peaceful and poetic. Resembling designer pieces, her works are inspired by her visits to Japan. Reflecting an architectural spatiality, ceramics interact with photography, corrugated metal or coloured backgrounds.

Of all the artist’s wanderings, Japan holds a special place. From her various visits to the Land of the Rising Sun, for residences and exhibitions, she returns enriched by forms, patterns and techniques that she adapts to her own, specific world. This monographic exhibition is in no way a retrospective of her rich and varied career, rather it is another milestone along her chosen path. The artist is simply closing one productive chapter – that of Japan – in order to open new perspectives and original avenues.

Activities programme linked to the exhibition

A workshop for young visitors focussing on the cherry blossom festival will inaugurate a cycle of activities built around the exhibition.

Cherry blossom workshop | Workshop for children aged 5 and over Saturday 29 April, 1.30 p.m., 3.30 p.m.. The ceramicist Margareta Daepp has a passion for Japan, and some of her works draw inspiration directly from the Hanami festival (or cherry blossom festival). Dating back several centuries, this Japanese tradition continues to offer the opportunity to celebrate underneath the cherry trees in full blossom. The workshop will give you the chance to make stunning cherry blossom from bread dough (reservation required).
Guided visit with the artist: Sunday 30 April and 24 September (free, no reservation required).
Guided visits: Sunday 14 May, 4 June, 3 September (free, no reservation required).
Tactile visits: Thursday 8 June at 10 a.m. and 14 September at 2.30 p.m. (free, no reservation required.