Clay Pigeons
Dominika Bednarsky
November 6, 2024 - January 11, 2025
Gaa Cologne
Gaa is pleased to present Clay Pigeons, a solo exhibition of new ceramic sculptures by Dominika Bednarsky. Her second solo exhibition at Gaa in Cologne, Clay Pigeons features a new series of ‘bird bouquets’ created during the final months of Bednarsky’s diploma degree program at Hochschule für Gestaltung Ofenbach am Main.
Bednarsky continues her exploration of motifs and iconography sourced from the surrounding natural environment in her Clay Pigeons: Birdbouquet series. The title itself serves as a clever reference to and subtle critique of the sporting practice of clay target shooting. Originating from the 19th century practice which involved the use of live pigeons, the modern sport adopted the use of lightweight clay discs meant to mimic the erratic flight pattern of the bird. In almost ironic opposition, Bednarsky places emphasis on the materiality of her Clay Pigeons. Layered feathers, embellished appendages, and textured surfaces underscore the physicality of Bednarsky’s malleable medium of choice.
Flora and fauna remain a constant motif throughout Bednarsky’s oeuvre, with a veritable concern for the environment, the usage and consumption of resources, and the ethical treatment of plant and animal life permeating her practice. However, such serious subject matter finds a delicate balance with the canny infusion of humor and sarcasm. An oversized Magnificent Frigatebird exuberantly pufs out its cherry-red throat pouch in an attempt to attract a worthy mate, seemingly unaware of its inability to complete the ritual within the organic constraints of surrounding vegetal growth. Flowers protrude from orifices and sit atop the heads of birds at rest. Shrewdly sculpted wings and tails coalesce to form amalgamated structures evocative of floral arrangements, a theme Bednarsky often returns to for its multifaceted interpretation.
Floral bouquets and potted plants exist universally across diferent cultures and geographic locales. Their function as an acknowledgement of success, a celebration of life, or a commiseration of loss does not require words. Bednarksy honors this ubiquitous symbol, incorporating ”flower shop” forms as a means of understanding and closure on both a personal and a general level. Crafted as a way to say “thank you” and “goodbye”, these bouquets serve as a symbolic closing of one door and opening of another for Bednarsky, forging a pathway forward of both challenge and growth.
The playful combination of such floral and avian imagery – perhaps most exuberantly achieved in the forms of two afectionate flamingos leaning in for a wistful kiss, their heart-shaped bodies both ensconced in and supported by blossoms and vines – reminds the viewer of the inherent opportunity that accompanies vulnerability. Serving as a symbol of transition and freedom, these sometimes-ironic, but always-inspired ceramic creatures ofer up hope, humor, and a sense of understanding, encouraging one to invariably shoot for the stars, but aim for the (clay) target.