Roger Herman California Poppies
Los Angeles
The Haas Brothers Ceramics
Imbuing everyday objects with a sense of play and fantasy, the brothers’ work often navigates themes of nature, science fiction, sexuality, and psychedelia. Perhaps their most prominent theme is the organic world. Many of their sculptures and designs are inspired by natural forms such as plants, animals, and geological formations, and they frequently incorporate elements like tentacles, scales, and horns into their creations, resulting in pieces that feel both familiar and otherworldly – like an alien plucked from a science-fiction film. The pair are also known for their inclusive approach to representation, creating sculptures and characters that challenge conventional beauty standards and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Despite their dystopian aesthetic, their work still retains a high level of artistry. Working with a mix of materials, they often use bronze and fur to achieve a sense of warmth, both of which are adopted to evoke themes of play and vibrancy. Glass is another material frequently applied to their artworks, and they tend to work with glassblowers to create custom components lavished in colour. Additionally, the pair like to use resin and clay, which allows them to apply colourful and translucent finishes, and construct unusual compositions through hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing.
The Haas Brothers’ series of Accretion vases exemplifies their ability for pushing the limits of their chosen materials, especially clay. Each vessel, crafted by hand and incorporating a medley of ceramic techniques, mimics the delicate growth processes found in nature. The result is a collection of mesmerizing textures appearing like petals, or coral sprouting from the seabed.
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