Fremantle ceramic artist Shupiwe Chongwe is embracing the beautiful disorder of the creative process in her latest exhibition, which opens this week at a local gallery. The exhibition, titled Always Messy, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the chaotic yet inspiring environments of both the studio and the human mind.
A Celebration of Creative Clutter
Chongwe's second solo exhibition is being hosted at the Piazza Gallery in Fremantle, where it will showcase a collection of works that delve into themes of emotional exploration and artistic learning. The artist describes the exhibition as a love letter to the clutter and mayhem that often characterises creative spaces, as well as the internal landscapes of the heart and mind.
Journey Through Clay and Experience
All pieces featured in Always Messy were meticulously crafted in Chongwe's compact Walyalup studio, reflecting a year-long journey of personal and artistic development. This exhibition represents the culmination of a year filled with learning, challenges, and deep emotional exploration through the medium of clay, the artist explained.
The body of work primarily focuses on abstract sculpture, which Chongwe finds to be the most honest and intuitive method for self-expression. This approach allows her to convey complex emotions and ideas without the constraints of more representational forms.
Building on Previous Success
Chongwe's artistic journey has been marked by significant milestones over the past year. Her first solo exhibition, Bedforms, was presented at PS Art Space as part of the 2025 Perth Festival, establishing her presence in Western Australia's contemporary art scene.
Following this success, the potter embarked on an international exchange to the remote Indian Himalayan region of Ladakh, participating in the Biennale exchange program. During her visit, she engaged with the Parkhang Collective and the Likir pottery community, where she studied local and historic pottery techniques that have undoubtedly influenced her current practice.
Exhibition Details and Viewing Information
The Always Messy exhibition officially opens at 5pm on January 29, offering art enthusiasts their first opportunity to experience Chongwe's latest creations. The exhibition will continue running until February 2 at the Piazza Gallery in Fremantle, with daily viewing hours from 10am to 4pm.
This exhibition not only highlights Chongwe's technical skill with clay but also her philosophical approach to art-making, where imperfection and process are celebrated as essential components of creative expression.
