Craft / Vessels of Dialogue – Sarit Cohen, Craft + Design Canberra until September 12.  Reviewed by MEREDITH HINCHLIFFE

Sarit Cohen is a ceramic artist who has exhibited in the Canberra scene for many years. Her family history includes several nationalities and influences, and she is a graduate of the ANU School of Art in Ceramics.

For many years she has worked in pure, white porcelain working with the vessel form. The pieces in this exhibition are refined, smooth and classical.

Using matt, prime colour glazes, the vessels create a dialogue between themselves. The simple forms create a rhythm together, and speak of calm and quiet. There is a purposeful structure to their formal layout, with almost all placed on one long table. A bright blue dividing screen and two red columns add to the formality of the display.

Cohen has had three international residencies in Denmark, Switzerland and China. These periods have assisted her develop skills in porcelain casting. She has exhibited in Australia and internationally.

This potter also has a fascination with architecture, which has led to the creation of the tall, sculptural vessels on exhibit. Vertical lines take the eye from the base to the lip, which is often folded into the interior, adding interest. The lips are emphasised with glaze, or scalloped drawing the viewer’s eye.

Several of the vessels are given additional height by being placed on a squat ceramic plinth. The glaze spirals up other pieces, as a tall endless staircase might.

This exhibition is worthy of many visits. It hints at the artist’s mixed heritage, and her experience of desert environments.

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