September 7, 2017—October 14, 2017 | Reception Thursday, Sept 7th, 6-8pm

James Harris Gallery is pleased to present our fourth exhibition by Canadian artist Alwyn O’Brien. Titled “Daughter,” this exhibition explores O’Brien’s interest in the origins of the earliest Neolithic ceramic forms created by matriarchal societies. It is believed that goddess worship was practiced by these Neolithic societies through the archeological discovery of prehistoric goddess figurines often made of clay or carved stone incised with symbols denoting water in its various forms, as well as imagery linking rain and streams with breast milk. Neolithic pottery and basketry began with the coiling of clay or reeds. Cyclic lines of patterns were often used to decorate these vessels. Pottery, baskets, and textiles traditionally created by women were used for farming and food cultivation. As farming marks the start of the Neolithic period and is considered responsible for advancing civilization, these crafts also signified women’s roles in shaping ancient society. Scholar Marija Gimbutas claimed “the existence of a prehistoric Goddess-oriented culture that existed for at least 25,000 years. This peaceful civilization seemingly practiced complete equal rights between the sexes–socially, politically, and spiritually.” O’Brien is using these themes as a starting point but her over the top baroque coiled ceramic sculptures are far from primitive. They emphasize the abundance of earthly pleasures. They are in a sense, personal idols reflecting a chaotic world.

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