The cocoons, designed as inviting containers for human transformation, grew from Jonathan learning to spin wool. And the seductive fabric and ceramic human-featured flowers, originally conceived for a 2023 show at (the now closed) Stephen Friedman Gallery, are inspired by Jonathan’s mother, her garden in Kent, his family’s ‘agricultural labourer’ heritage, and perhaps even the rock comedy musical Little Shop of Horrors. ‘I’d like my flowers to look like they could maybe eat you,’ he has said.His anthropomorphic ceramic wall masks create a hypnotic visual rhythm at Sketch
His anthropomorphic ceramic wall masks create a hypnotic visual rhythm at Sketch
Joshua Monaghan
Notably, the Sketch show is the first time Jonathan has seen these works together. At his small studio in Bromley-by-Bow, every piece, once finished, is packed away in the clear plastic tubs that line the walls. His ceramics facilities, in King’s Cross, are shared with other makers. ‘The dream would be to have a larger place where I could reflect on things, too,’ he acknowledges.
With this aspiration in mind, it is worth remembering the renown of the artists that came before him at Sketch – Martin Creed (his marble floor, Work No. 1347, remains in situ), David Shrigley (whose ‘functional art’ for the table initiated his cult homeware line) and Yinka Shonibare. And that the Gallery at Sketch is one of London’s most Instagrammed restaurants. The art is part of that, and Jonathan’s works ‘make the restaurant stand up and smile’, says its owner Mourad Mazouz. But there are also people who come for the design and colour. ‘That new audience is really exciting,’ Jonathan enthuses.
Joshua Monaghan
‘Jonathan Baldock’ is at Arnolfini, Bristol, on June 27-September 27. jonathan-baldock.com | sketch.london | arnolfini.org.uk