University of Kansas students and teachers are showcasing ceramics that defy gravity and traditional form at Off-Site Art Space in Lawrence. The exhibition, titled “Almost a Body: Not Quite a Thing,” features works by artists-in-residence Seuil Chung and SunYoung Park alongside their students, including pieces like Natalie Slutsky’s “Vital Exchange,” an anatomical heart with arteries forming a Möbius strip. The show highlights innovative techniques such as using sand-filled brick boxes for firing, French cleat mounting systems, and beeswax finishes inspired by natural forms from the McGregor Herbarium.
The exhibition matters because it demonstrates how interdisciplinary ceramics education at KU pushes technical and conceptual boundaries, inspiring both students and teachers. By focusing on form-defying clay structures and installation skills, the show underscores the importance of hands-on learning and collaboration in the visual arts. It also reflects Lawrence’s vibrant arts culture, where nature and creativity converge to produce unique, organic sculptures that challenge viewers’ perceptions of what ceramics can achieve.