Wendy Gers
Location
Leeuwarden, Netherlands
About
Dr Wendy Gers is an award-winning international academic, curator and consultant based in the Netherlands. She has lived and worked in in Europe, East Asia, the Middle East and Africa, where she has established research laboratories, taught and curated major exhibitions. Among these exhibitions are 2 major Biennales, that were visited by over 1 million people. Her curatorial leadership was celebrated by the City Press’s inclusion of Gers in their list of 100 ‘World-Class South Africans’. In parallel, Wendy has delivered over 80 public lectures and keynote addresses in 20 countries, and has served on various juries and boards. Gers is Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics in the Netherlands, a prestigious Rijksmuseum with collection of over 45 000 works. She is also the Theodore Randall International Chair of Art History at Alfred University, New York, in Autumn 2024. She has authored numerous catalogues, book chapters and scholarly articles, including the landmark monograph on southern African potteries, Scorched Earth (2016), Cont{r}act Earth (2017) and Terra Nova (2014). She has written chapters for 2 readers, The Ceramics Reader (2017) and The Craft and War Reader (forthcoming). Her research interests include sustainability, decolonisation, museums restitution and healing. Gers is the recipient of a PhD from the University of Sunderland; MA in History of Art (cum laude); Advanced University Diploma in Information Studies and BA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She completed her Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology (South Africa).
Artist Statement
Sustainable Ceramics: Shaping the Future
What will ceramics look like in 20, 50, or even 100 years? This engaging lecture explores the future of ceramics, where social and environmental responsibility take center stage.
Ceramics production has a significant environmental footprint, but innovative artists, designers, and craftspeople are redefining the field with eco-conscious approaches. We’ll break down key concepts in sustainable and eco-critical ceramics, highlighting creative practices that go beyond greenwashing to make a real impact. From cutting-edge innovations to restorative techniques, join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how ceramics can evolve for a more sustainable future.
Panel Discussion: The Hard, Soft, and Hopeful: Rethinking Low-Impact Ceramics
Ceramics history is often told as a story of progress—moving from soft, low-fired earthenware to the prized whiteness and strength of porcelain. But what if that’s only part of the picture?
This discussion explores alternative ceramic technologies that have existed across cultures for centuries—methods that produce strong, sealed wares without relying on high-impact industrial processes. While the 1970s saw a revival of low-fired techniques like pit-firing and raku, they didn’t fully challenge the dominance of porcelain and stoneware. This session dives deeper, highlighting lesser-known, sustainable ceramic practices that offer new possibilities for the future of the craft.
Professional Practice Reviews & Coaching: Elevate Your Ceramics Career
Feeling stuck in your ceramics practice? Wondering how to take your work to the next level? This exclusive workshop offers a unique opportunity to gain insights from an internationally renowned ceramics curator.
Discover what galleries and museums are looking for, learn how to get your work noticed, and receive personalized guidance on your artistic journey. With a limited number of spots, this session provides a supportive space to discuss your work, ask questions, and map out your next professional steps.