Amphora III

This monumental vessel is the work of ceramicist Viola Frey. A longtime resident of San Francisco, the late sculptress is recognized today as a pioneering figure in contemporary ceramics. Frey is best known for her colossal figurative sculptures that are highly personal, yet powerfully engaging. She also enjoyed working with urn-like amphorae, which she employed as clay canvases to present her figurative paintings.

Frey crafted this amphora between 1996 and 1997. Using painterly brushstrokes and her signature vibrant palette of primary color glazes, the artist brings to life an expressionistic vision of overscale male and female figures in contemporary dress. This work references the tradition established by ancient Greek vase painters, in which heroes and humans of the day are illustrated in scenes of everyday life.