Espersen experiments with materials, colours and textures and is especially fascinated by the chemistry behind ceramics: ‘Objects made from clay or glaze can be seductive, magical and mind blowing. I’m fascinated by the changes materials undergo during the ceramic-making process. It’s incomprehensible how dull white powders, once fired, can turn into an indescribable variety of textures and gloss.’
Magic Mushrooms and Moon Jars
Espersen is also exhibiting a collection of Magic Mushrooms. Varying in shape and colour, the cheerful sculptures are a visualisation of the psychedelic effects that magic mushrooms can induce. Also on show are Moon Jars, an experimental variation on the traditional Korean versions. The surfaces have eight layers of different glazes and were fired several times. The result is a cacophony of colours and bizarre textures. Espersen: ‘They’re never perfect, but can turn out to be surprisingly spectacular.’
About the artist
Morten Løbner Espersen was born in Aalborg, Denmark and studied design in Copenhagen and ceramics in Paris. In 1992 he opened his studio in Copenhagen. He taught at various design academies for many years. He is also a member of the International Academy of Ceramics. In 2018 he won the Annie & Otto Johs. Detlefs Ceramic Prize. A parallel exhibition of this Danish ceramicist’s work will be presented concurrently in Kunstmuseum Den Haag. The first international publication dedicated to his work will be published in November. Espersen produced this book together with Glenn Adamson (American curator and writer) and Jan de Bruijn (curator applied arts and design at Kunstmuseum Den Haag). The book is also available in the Princessehof’s museum shop.
.%2044%20cm%20h%20x%2044%20%c3%98.%20Stoneware%20and%20glazes.%20Foto%20Ole%20Akh%c3%b8j..jpg?width=1250&height=500&mode=crop&converttowebp=1 "Moon Jar #2149 (2018). 44 cm h x 44 Ø. Stoneware and glazes. Foto Ole Akhøj.")