Exhibition: 20 Feb – 16 Mar, 8am – 10pm
Opening event: Thursday 20 Feb, 7pm
Artist talk: Sunday 23 Feb, 2.30pm
Workshop Demonstration: Sunday 2 Mar, 1.30pm
St Heliers Street Gallery
Free
Workshop Demonstration: $35
Exhibition: 20 Feb – 16 Mar, 8am – 10pm
Opening event: Thursday 20 Feb, 7pm
Artist talk: Sunday 23 Feb, 2.30pm
Workshop Demonstration: Sunday 2 Mar, 1.30pm
St Heliers Street Gallery
Free
Workshop Demonstration: $35
84 Days in Shigaraki is a solo exhibition by Colin Hopkins showcasing the body of work and creative process developed during his 84-day residency at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park in Koka, Japan. This exhibition features a series of small-scale ceramic pieces that explore the intersection of materiality, form, and spatial awareness, drawing on Hopkins’ diverse background in music, architecture, and pottery.
During his time in Shigaraki, Hopkins immersed himself in the region’s centuries-old ceramic traditions, while also pushing the boundaries of technique through experimentation in clay throwing, glazing, and firing. Working with locally sourced materials, his creations reflect a profound engagement with the raw, tactile nature of the medium, balanced by the precision and discipline he gained from his architectural background—heightened by the influence of Japan’s renowned architectural design and craftsmanship.
Each piece in the exhibition embodies a study in balance and tension, where the fluidity of the clay meets the careful structural considerations inherent in Hopkins’ work. The pieces capture both the natural unpredictability of the material and the intentional design of space and form.
Meet the artist and view the works at the opening event, held in St Heliers Street Gallery on 20 February from 7pm.
In this artist talk, Colin Hopkins will share insights into his residency experience at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park. This talk will explore the challenges and discoveries that shaped his work. Hopkins will discuss the evolution of his work, from raw materials to finished pieces, and reflect on his engagement with traditional Japanese ceramics. The talk will also address his experimentation with local Shigaraki clay, glazing techniques, and the cultural exchange that occurred during his residency.
Sunday 23 February, 2.30pm
FREE
Learn the skills and techniques used in the exhibition whilst hearing about Colin’s experience at at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.
Sunday 2 March, 1.30pm – 4.30pm
Cost: $35
St Heliers Street Gallery is wheelchair accessible.
Accessible, gendered and gender neutral bathrooms are nearby.
