Artist Feature: Anat Shiftan

Anat Shiftan studied English Literature and Philosophy (BA 1980) at the Hebrew University, Ceramics at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, (1980 -1982), Eastern Michigan University (MA 1984) and at Cranbrook Academy of Art and Design, (MFA 1986). Shiftan worked at Pewabic Pottery, Detroit Michigan (1986 to 1999) as Instructor, Production Manager - Senior Designer and Director of Education. She taught at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design (1999-2002).

In 2003 she began working as Professor of Art at SUNY New Paltz, NY, where she is currently the head of the ceramics program. Shiftan received the Michigan Grant for Individual Artists twice and has exhibited her work extensively in both the U.S. and Israel and is represented by Hostler Burrows, NYC and LA.

Shiftan works out of a studio on her property in High Falls, NY, which she was kind enough to let us visit to snap some photographs and record a short interview with her.

While many of the pieces in her current exhibition at the Zillman Art Museum are displayed on pedestals, Shiftan was eager to show us how the pieces she "lives with" look in her own studio. Her bookends and sculptures look wonderful nestled into her shelves.

Shiftan poses with her Bailey extruder and top-loading electric Bailey kiln.

To hear more about Anat Shiftan's background and current exhibition in her own words, check out our interview with her on TikTok!

Anat Shiftan: Life & Still

Zillman Art Museum: September 23 - December 30, 2022

Below images and press release excerpts courtesy of the artist and Zillman Art Museum:

Israel-born artist Anat Shiftan expands our conceptions of ceramics in this large-scale exhibition which features a wall installation that spans over twenty feet, as well as recently created pedestal-based works. In the creation of the 41 works, which contain over 200 components, Shiftan has employed an array of production methods including slip casting, wheel throwing, hand building and industrial artifacts.

In Still Life in White, the artist highlights the history of travel and trade in pieces that draw connection to Greek, Chinese and European heritages.

Shiftan’s large-scale work, Wallpaper in Green and Pink, seen for the first time in the Zillman exhibition, was created in response to her readings on the objectives of wallpaper designs by the influential 19th century designer William Morris. Similar to the aims of the designer, Shiftan states that, “My installation is a dimensional iteration of Morris’ statement on bringing nature back into our space” and to “regain the connection with nature.” In hues of chartreuse green and pink tones, Wallpaper in Green and Pink consists of over 95 individually-sculpted components that activate an expanse of gallery walls. The curved, extruded tubes terminate in an array of hand-built flower petals in both semi-gloss and dark maroon lava glaze.

In the Phylla in Blue wall installation, composed of 72 individual porcelain units, the repetition of delicate curled forms produces a subtle undulating movement. While the tranquil pale celadon blue-glazed forms evoke the notion of underwater flora, for the artist “nature is an invented image that exists only as an idea.” Shiftan states that “color is a strong presence or absence in my work,” and this is demonstrated by compositions employing color in contrast with others glazed in solid white.  In Still Life in White, the artist highlights the history of travel and trade in pieces that draw connection to Greek, Chinese and European heritages.

Digital Preview:

Zillman Art Museum has also posted a digital preview of the show to TikTok! Take a peek on social media, then head over to ZAM to see the show in person at 40 Harlow St, Bangor, ME 04401.

Admission is free, and the exhibit is on display now through December 30, 2022.