Inspiration that comes from the colours and shapes of Africa
June 18, 2025 - Elaine King
The brilliantly coloured and eclectic vessels that South African ceramicist Margot Rudolph creates would never have come about had she stayed in Europe, she says.
“Look at that tree, see that shade of green,” enthuses Margot; “Only in Africa are colours this vibrant.”
On June 21, a solo exhibition of 13 vessels by Margot will go on exhibit at the Knysna Fine Art gallery. These pieces could at first sight be construed as big vases which they are not, and which is why she calls them vessels and why there are decorative holes in many of them. “They should absolutely not have flowers in them,” laughs Margot.
The name of her exhibition Saturate was chosen because: “Colour saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a colour, indicating how vivid or muted it appears…it’s the richness of a colour,” she says.
"My ceramic practice is a celebration of form, colour, and cultural connections. My inspiration is deeply rooted in the visual language of Africa, its textiles, architecture, ceremonial objects and the vibrant rhythms of life. I seek to honour these sources of inspiration with respect and creativity – interpreting them through a contemporary lens,” she says.
Read More >>