Things Made Over Time

Hylton Nel was born in 1941 in N’kana, Zambia, and lives and works in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo, South Africa. He describes himself as an 'artist-potter', which aptly refers to his interest in painted imagery as well as form and function. His work is rich in references to the decorative arts and literary and art historical sources. His plates, bowls, vases, plaques and figurative pieces are idiosyncratically decorated with witty - and sometimes poignant - line drawings and script. His imagery ranges from penises to Madonnas, cats to angels, and his quotes are drawn from poetry and the daily press as well as his observations of the world around him. His work has been the subject of various survey exhibitions, including Things Made Over Time at Stevenson, Cape Town (2024); This plate is what I have to say at Charleston, East Sussex, UK (2023); Hylton Nel at 80, The Fine Art Society, London, UK (2021). Previous books on his work include Hylton Nel at 80 (The Fine Art Society, London, 2021); Hylton Nel: For Use and Display (The Fine Art Society, London, 2021); Hylton Nel: A Curious World, edited by Michael Stevenson (Jacana, Johannesburg, 2010). Tamar Garb is Durning Professor in the History of Art at University College London. She has published widely on questions of gender and sexuality in modern and contemporary art as well as on photography from Africa, the work of women artists and feminist aesthetics. Her curatorial practice includes Portia Zvavahera: Zvakazarurwa, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge (2024); Beyond the Binary: Santu Mofokeng and David Goldblatt, The Walther Collection, Neu-Ulm (2023); Conversations in Letters & Lines: William Kentridge and Vivienne Koorland, Fruitmarket, Edinburgh (2016). Kim Jones OBE is a visionary British fashion designer whose work seamlessly blends high fashion with streetwear sensibilities. Renowned for his tenure as creative director of Dior Men, Jones has redefined menswear by incorporating diverse cultural influences and artistic collaborations. His innovative designs, often characterized by bold silhouettes and intricate detailing, challenge traditional notions of masculinity in fashion. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, he has garnered acclaim for his ability to merge art, music, and fashion. Recognized with an OBE for his contributions to the industry, Jones continues to influence contemporary style with his audacious vision.