• the installation on display
  • Virtues of Unity booklet
  • spherical forms ready to carve
  • virtues of unity displayed in rainbow order
  • Halima mapping out the design
  • bags of multi colour clay
  • pots drying out
  • Vessels on display at a gallery
  • virtues of unity on display at a gallery
  • Halima Cassell carving Virtues of Unity
  • dry out the forms
  • virtues of unity on display at manchester art gallery on a circle plinth
  • multicoloured pots on whitebackground
  • carving in progress

Virtues of Unity

This piece is my reflection on the shared commonality of the human race. Whilst we appear superficially different so we are also fundamentally the same; we are one species, united by our DNA regardless of cultural background, religion or skin colour. 

The clay for this piece has been gathered from across the globe and presents an exciting diversity of textures and colours reflecting the geology and climate of their places of origin. 

I have hand carved each piece in a soft, curvilinear style with holes allowing light to form a penetrative link from one carving to the next. By giving my work a common stylistic thread it symbolises the fact that there is more common ground that unites us as human beings than that which divides and separates us. We all come from the clay of the earth and eventually we all return to that same clay. Each piece is titled to suggest a different virtue that associates us all with our aspirational values

Our differences bring richness and variety to our lives. This piece will continue to evolve as I seek out different clays, enjoying the exploration of each one's distinctive character and identity.

Halima Cassell

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A publication about "Virtues of Unity" with an essay by Andrew Lambirth and an artist statement by Halima explaining the concept, ideas and process behind the creation of this installation is available to purchase from the artist here. 

 

 

  • “Existentially challenging and exciting. The pieces feel like a tribute and simultaneously a warning to humanity.
    – Anonymous

  • I really enjoyed the range of materials you have experimented with, and how you are collecting and using clays from around the world to signify unity and togetherness through art. Congratulations, I can’t wait to see what you create next!
    – Mella Moylan

  • “A Wondrous exhibition, truly amazing structures your dreams deliver out of this world ideas, created with the fabric of the Earth. Thank you"
    – Susan

  • It’s like something had forgotten but always known…Thanks
    –

  • “The most inspiring ceramic work I have seen in thirty years! Beautiful, mesmerising, powerful and thoughtful. Genius! Love, love, love this work.
    – Judith

  • “Beautiful and exquisite work reveals a deep peace I was not expecting to find a new way to think “
    – Ellen

  • Formidable and strongly female
    –

  • Existentially challenging and exciting. The pieces feel like a tribute and simultaneously a warning to humanity
    –