Adrian Arleo’s ceramic sculptures are a fascinating fusion of human, animal, and natural forms, creating a surreal and evocative experience that transcends the ordinary. Her work, deeply rooted in mythology and archetypes, explores the intimate and universal connections between these realms. The sculptures often embody themes of transformation and vulnerability, reflecting on personal, environmental, and political realities.
Arleo’s artistry in clay and porcelain, sometimes enhanced with encaustic, gold luster, and mixed media, brings forth a poetic power that resonates with the observer. Her pieces, like “Internal,” not only showcase her skill but also her ability to weave complex narratives that invite introspection and a deeper understanding of the interplay between humanity and nature.
For over thirty years, my sculpture has combined human, animal, and natural imagery to create a kind of emotional and poetic power. Often there’s a suggestion of a vital interconnection between the human and non-human realms; the imagery arises from associations, concerns, and obsessions that are at once intimate and universal. The work frequently references mythology and archetypes in addressing our vulnerability amid changing personal, environmental, and political realities. By focusing on older, more mysterious ways of seeing the world, edges of consciousness and deeper levels of awareness suggest themselves.
Adrian Arleo
More info: Website, Instagram (h/t: Field Guide for Ceramic Artisans, The PhotoPhore).
