Sebastian Conti

Sebastian Conti is a Sydney-based artist who uses ceramics as a sculptural language. His artistic journey is propelled by an exploration of the conceptual and aesthetic tensions that come to life in ritualised spaces. Through his artistic creations, Sebastian endeavours to uncover the potential of adapting established ceramic techniques to craft emotionally charged spatial interventions, characterised by a focus on structure, composition, texture and pattern.

Sebastian's artistic practice harmoniously blends the joys of creative play with the precision of sacred geometry. Within the works, the well-established rules of patterning are meticulously observed, only to be fearlessly abandoned. The resulting ambiguity prompts thought-provoking questions, blurring the boundaries that separate architecture from idol.

Sebastian’s practice is enriched by drawing inspiration from the classical Indian architectural system of 'Vāstu', – a system, deeply grounded in the art of harmonising energy and balancing the five elements within a space. This amplifies the connection between the sculptures, objects and the room itself.

Alongside an exploration of the boundaries of form, the object’s interior is playfully expressed by incorporating the triangle motif along its surface, using pattern to reveal anthropomorphic elements.

[ceramic story] My practice is moving towards cultivating an awareness of subtle experiences and living presence. In working with pattern, I observe how the triangle appears to point and pierce into space, expanding the surface tension of the object. It is this penetration that narrows the perceived boundary between the object and space, exposing the palpable and vibrating field of energy surrounding it.

[digital connection] With digital, kaleidoscopic, and interactive elements, this work invites the visitor to consider the energy that lies at the heart of Sebastian's work and defines its allure. Developed by June Kim colours and shapes circulate and produce new, dynamic patterns in a playful manner and audience activated sensors introduce an additional layer of ambiguity, revealing moments of pause and glitch within the form.

Tower fragment XIX, 2023
37 x 50 x 11 cm
$2,500

Tower fragment XXVII, 2023
38 x 21 x 8 cm
$2,000

Tower fragment XXVIII, 2023
40 x 37x 10 cm
$2,500

Tower fragment XXIX, 2023
23 x 24 x 7 cm
$1,000

All works are glazed earthenware

Image top: Sebastian Conti, Tower fragment XXIX, 2023. Photo: Matt Harrison