Modern and Contemporary - American

Some of the most avant-garde approaches to ceramics emerged in the United States in the late 1950s. A defining moment was the arrival of abstract expressionism in the United States which ruptured traditional forms as exemplified by the work of Peter Voulkos. A more light-hearted approach to the medium subsequently emerged with the arrival of Californian Funk Art, an offshoot of 1960s Pop Art. This movement, which had a strong impact in Canada, liberated art from the tastes of the cultural elite by embracing popular subjects. Pieces in this connection also include work of important American artists who have greatly contributed to furthering conceptual and figurative approaches.

American ceramics in the collection of the Gardiner Museum have been donated by Aaron Milrad, Alan Mandell and many others.