View this post on Instagram

 

Of Lace and Porcelain gets its title from the fine extrusions of white porcelain, as if it was lace. A tribute to my past, the comforts of tradition and the craft of Maltese lace making. My work explores the relationship between conflicting themes; traditional and contemporary, stability and weakness, order and chaos. Each side has a little of the other; there are no clear solid boundaries, and that overlap is where I draw most of my inspiration from. I express this conflict by subverting the process of clay 3D printing, transforming the uniformity of it and ultimately pushing clay to unexplored territories. The manipulation ranges from a minimal glitch in the programme to warping involuntarily when being fired in the kiln. As shifting forms become more unique at every level of manipulation, each piece takes on its own identity. Photo: Alick Cotterell ( @alick.co.uk ) @royalcollegeofart @rcaceramicsandglass @vormvrij3d @3dwasp #clay #ceramics #art #artist #exploration #wip #progress #rca #ceramicsandglass #royalcollegeofart #london #malta #white #porcelain #elegant #composition #3dprinting #3d #design

A post shared by Nico Conti (@nicocontiart) on Jun 24, 2019 at 9:29am PDT

This mesmerising manipulation of porcelain is inspired by Maltese artistic tradition of lacemaking against the capabilities of modern technology that allows porcelain to be transformed in such a way that makes it look super fragile and weak.

It is difficult enough to wrap your head around this process (and to even believe that this is actually porcelain) which, in my opinion, is why it makes such great art.

And 15 distinguished judges seem to think so too.

Conti was not only awarded a $1,000 scholarship but he also received the Rising Star Award which includes exhibitions at Porzellanikon Selb in Germany, International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza, Italy, British Ceramics Biennal, as well as sales opportunity at Today Art Museum, China and Singaporean online art gallery, The Artling.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I am lost for words! I am so thrilled to have made it to the top 10 for the 2019 FRANZ Rising Star Award. This has to be one of the most validating experiences, I am truly humbled and grateful. Thanks for the wondrous opportunity. @franz_rising_star_project

A post shared by Nico Conti (@nicocontiart) on Sep 30, 2019 at 8:05am PDT

“I am lost for words! I am so thrilled to have made it to the top 10 for the 2019 FRANZ Rising Star Award. This has to be one of the most validating experiences, I am truly humbled and grateful. Thanks for the wondrous opportunity,” Conti said in an Instagram post.

Of Lace and Porcelain will be on display all over the world and this achievement is bound to project Conti’s career to new artistic heights… congrats Nico!

Share this story to show your support for Nico and his work

READ NEXT: Only Five Days Left To Vote! The Lovin Music Awards Are Just Around The Corner And It’s Time To Pick Your Favourite Artists