Ornamental, June-July 2022

Platform Arts Geelong

Ornamental, 2022 is a collection of ceramic vases that present an extravagant, fanciful expression of decorative functional ware. Their purpose as vessels is to hold flowers, as well as the purpose of beauty, to be observed. In this series, Anabelle explores the idea of decorative art within a feminist perspective, drawing on how women have historically been viewed by society as ornamental.

Anabelle seeks to celebrate how women take back control of this notion and adorn themselves to relish in their own unique beauty. Her refined ceramic forms illustrate the movement of fabric and emphasis on sumptuous embellishments, drawing inspiration from fashion to express her own sense of femininity and explore gender identity more broadly.