Slab Work

sketchfab

In a 2016 conversation with renowned art historian T.K. Sabapathy, Dr Iskandar made it clear that 'slab work' pieces were decidedly "not pottery". He went on to vividly describe slab building as akin to joining disparate pieces of wood together where "clay functions as the unifying adhesive". Essentially, Dr Iskandar was distinguishing between wheel-formed pottery and hand-built slab constructions like those showcased in Slab Work. In this piece, Dr Iskandar crafts a constant tug-of-war between structure and freedom. The expressive, random strips of varying sizes and directions on its body are expertly tempered by the structure imposed by its angular shape and the precision geometry of its elegant handle. Similarly, the refined, formal posture of its overall form and handle is relieved and softened by the unrestricted movement and vibrant colors of its decoration.