Amber Creswell Bell

A photograph captures a fleeting visual in time. A split second on either side can change the result entirely: the exact moment of exposure is critical. More than simply a static image, a photograph has the power to evoke emotion, revealing both the seen and the unseen. In her latest collection, curator Amber Creswell Bell explores the work of forty contemporary photographers, including Leila Jeffreys, Bill Henson, and Kara Rosenlund. Each artist shares insights into their practice, ranging from the whimsical to the wild, addressing subjects as diverse as the environment, motherhood, and identity. Some point and shoot; others meticulously curate a scene, but they all strive for creative connection with the viewer through this common medium. Exposure captures the essence of modern photography, showcasing bold perspectives, striking landscapes, and intimate portraits that reflect cultural richness and natural beauty.

"Portraiture is like an alchemy of the physical and the intangible into painted materiality." -- Yvette CoppersmithA portrait is no longer expected to be a realistic rendering of a person--artists experiment with numerous techniques, even approaching abstraction, to convey the personality and character of their subjects. About Face explores the rich diversity of contemporary portraiture via the diverse practices of thirty-nine portrait painters--in the process unveiling a vibrant part of the art world informed by a rich history. Many of these artists use their portraiture to engage with social, political, or environmental issues or to convey a narrative, and the complexity of the human experience; others are simply fascinated by human faces. Whatever the artist's motivation, every work makes clear that portraiture has always been a powerful means of telling stories and exploring our individual and collective identities.

Once upon a time pottery schools saw an increase in enrolments whenever the film Ghost aired on television. Today it is all year round. Not since the 1970s has there been this level of interest and appreciation for pottery and ceramics. The return to the handmade has been driven by our increasingly digital lives and there are now more makers, sellers and collectors than ever. There is also a new desire for unique objects made by hand and the imperfections associated with the marks of the maker. Pottery is the vehicle that most aptly captures this authenticity. From decorative pieces to the primarily functional to sculptural works pushing the boundaries of the medium, Clay surveys the richly creative output of over 50 studio potters from around the world. It is a celebration of a new generation of artisans working in clay, a snapshot not necessarily of what is happening at elite gallery level, but rather a behind-the-scenes look at the unique and eclectic offerings from small studios around the world.