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Clay, Across Time and Space: in the Studio with Madhvi Subrahmanian

Kristie Lui

May 1, 2024

There are several ways in which contemporary artists express their concepts: One way involves using symbolism tied to a representational object to metaphorically convey the relativity of things. Artists leverage the power of representation, employing images and symbols to communicate ideas not inherently present in the ceramic medium. Another approach involves abstraction and the incorporation of symbols into complex systems of expression. Ceramic artist Madhvi Subrahmanian merges these approaches, fostering dialogue between representation, image, symbol, and abstraction through her clay practice.

Originally from Mumbai, Madhvi’s work has roots in Pondicherry, where she experienced a complete immersion in ceramic craft and its established communities and cultures that transcended regionality. Having trained under American potters, the late Deborah Smith and Ray Meeker, at their ceramics workshop, Golden Bridge Pottery, Madhvi was concerned with migration and global connectivity from the beginning. Following this, her journey brought her to the Meadows School of Art in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts. Now based in Singapore, she experiments with a variety of works, from wall-mounted ceramic installations to freestanding sculptures. Madhvi explores radical new ideas while honoring her clay practice.

Her current studio is based in the historical Guan Huat Kiln, which is home to one of Singapore’s last surviving wood-firing climbing “Dragon” kilns. Here, among Singapore’s lush greenery, I speak to Madhvi in her semi-outdoor studio located under a tin roof and delve into the realm of her ceramic craft. 

Reflecting on her practice, which has now spanned over two decades, Madhvi questions the foundational concepts that define her artistic endeavors. We explore the cornerstones of her ceramic practice that are inseparable from the radical histories of craft and the geographies that bind us to the clay medium.

Kristie Lui: Tell me about your practice. Given how conceptually driven your work is, tell me, how do ideas manifest for you? Does it begin with a concept or technique?

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