The Whole World In Our Hands.

The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, 10 Stockwell Street, London, SE10 9BD12

12 April –17 May 2025

Curated by Julia Ellen Lancaster

 Alison Cooke | Julia Ellen Lancaster | Sam Lucas | Rosanna Martin | Jane Millar | Jacqui Ramrayka

The Whole World In Our Hands unites six UK-based women artists who use clay as a medium to reveal, rupture, resist, and reconnect. Clay holds deep historical, cultural, and economic significance – embedded layers of time, environment, and society. Across a spectrum of highly crafted artefacts to seemingly utilitarian objects these artists explore clay’s transformative power, challenging notions of value, examining personal narratives, myths and historical events, and the ongoing extraction of natural resources.

As a material, clay has documented human history, from ancient civilizations to modern technology, where its minerals remain essential. Its shape-shifting nature reflects the evolving landscapes of both the earth and the human body, bearing the marks of time, erosion, and change. The lingering dust of clay serves as a reminder of our origins and the impermanence of existence. Through their work, these artists create a dialogue between deep time, present touch, and future imagination, shaping new narratives through this ancient medium.

The exhibition features a soundscape created by Julia Ellen Lancaster in collaboration with musician ‘mice’. Using recordings of sounds made with ceramics digitally manipulated to mirror the physical processes more commonly associated with clay - stretching, pinching, folding and rolling.

Events:

Saturday 26 April, 11am – Clay in Conversation 10: Circles with artists Sara Howard, Rosanna Martin and Georgia Haseldine (Senior Curator, V&A East Storehouse).

Saturday 26 April, 2pm – Walk through exhibition with artists.