Planting in Place, Time, and Memory

01/23/2026
05/17/2026

About the Exhibition

Experience the profound and evocative work of Syd Carpenter in Planting in Place, Time, and Memory, a comprehensive retrospective celebrating over 50 years of her influential career. This landmark exhibition will showcase the full breadth of Carpenter’s artistic journey, highlighting her innovative explorations at the intersection of African American history, land and agriculture, the human body, and the elemental materiality of clay.

Syd Carpenter (BFA/MFA) stands as a seminal figure in the ceramic arts, renowned for the conceptual depth and technical mastery that characterize her work. With a career that spans more than five decades, Carpenter's practice has continually redefined the boundaries of ceramics, positioning her as a critical voice in American art. This exhibition not only traces the evolution of her work but also situates her within the broader context of contemporary art, challenging traditional perceptions of ceramics as mere craft and affirming its status as a vital medium for artistic expression.

Planting in Place, Time, and Memory will be accompanied by a catalogue that further contextualizes Carpenter’s contributions, offering insight into her influence and significance in the art world. This retrospective is both a celebration of her pioneering spirit and a testament to the growing recognition of ceramics as a serious and impactful art form.