Hylton Nel

To view recent works, see Hylton Nel Studio

Previous exhibitions / Works

• Swatow Ware & Spring Bowls  (2015)
• Naughty Bowls  (2015)
• Imari Ware  (2015)
• Coral Blue  (2015)
• Pale Paris Green  (2015)
• Marbled Stoneware and Words (2014)
• Marbled Stoneware (2014)
• Blooming vases (2013)
• Cats and Naughty Plates (2012 - 2013)
• Visit to China (2012)
• Figures and Cats (2012)
• Domestic Ware (2012)
• Monks, Creatures and Dancing Ladies  (2011)
• Children's Drawings  (2011)
• Flower Vases  (2011)
• Cats and Other Creatures  (June - December 2010)
• Recent ceramics  (January - June 2010)
• Recent ceramics  (June - December 2009)
• Recent ceramics  (January - May 2009)
• Recent ceramics  (October - December 2008)
• Recent ceramics  (June 2008)
• Recent ceramics  (November 2007)
• Recent ceramics  (November 2006 - January 2007)
• Recent works  (January - February 2006)
• 1953 Somer on South African art 1848 - now (2005)
• Recent works  (March 2005)
• Recent ceramics  (1 December 2004 - 15 January 2005)
• Recent ceramics  (10 December 2003 - 24 January 2004)

Publications

• Hylton Nel: A Curious World  (2010)
• Hylton Nel  (2003)

Biography

Hylton Nel is a master of combining whimsy with satire and making pointed, albeit often humorous, references to his personal concerns as well as those of the world at large. In his work Nel seduces the eye with his sinuous line drawing and lush glazes, yet the mind is often taken aback when it comprehends the intensity of his imagery and inscriptions. Nel describes himself as an 'artist-potter' which aptly refers to his interest in painted imagery as well as form and function. Over the past four decades he has developed a style of work that is rich in references to the decorative arts and literary and art historical sources. His plates, bowls, vases, plaques and figurative pieces are idiosyncratically decorated with witty - and sometimes poignant - line drawings and script. His imagery ranges from penises to Madonnas, and from cats through to angels, and his quotes are drawn from poetry and the daily press as well as his observations of the world around him. He presently lives on the outskirts of Calitzdorp, a small town in the Klein Karoo. Group exhibitions include Unorthodox, at the Jewish Museum, New York (2015-2016); The Magic of Clayat gl Holtegaard, Denmark (2011); Art in Clay at IS Art, Franschhoek (2011); The Birthday Party at the Flow Gallery, London (2009); The Discerning Eye at The Mall Galleries in London (2007); Table Manners: Contemporary international ceramics at the Crafts Council Gallery in London (2006), and To Hold at the Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin (2006). Nel was Festival Artist at the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees in Oudtshoorn in 2009.

Click here to read an interview with Hylton Nel.