‘A vessel has, as its reference, its own stylistic history and the function. To conserve, serve out or to present certain content, is an orientation towards basic human needs. The manufacture of vessels is a self-evident cultural technique for all of mankind, and analogue to the role of the figure in sculpture; we can maintain that the ritual is the concrete opposite of the vessel. And so, the ‘vessel’ can today be a theme, in which function and ritual, our own history and the future, may be reflected.’
‘A vessel has, as its reference, its own stylistic history and the function. To conserve, serve out or to present certain content, is an orientation towards basic human needs. The manufacture of vessels is a self-evident cultural technique for all of mankind, and analogue to the role of the figure in sculpture; we can maintain that the ritual is the concrete opposite of the vessel. And so, the ‘vessel’ can today be a theme, in which function and ritual, our own history and the future, may be reflected.’
Johannes Nagel’s artwork primarily focuses on the themes of improvisation, provisionality, and transformation. Working primarily with porcelain, a material known for its delicate yet durable qualities. Though most of his creations take the form of vessels, they challenge the ambiguous relationship between form and function. His work encourages viewers to reconsider the boundaries of both.
Johannes Nagel’s approach is not about creating static, flawless objects. Instead, his work exists as an ongoing dialogue between artist, material, and process—constantly evolving and often surprising.
His vessels evoke both construction and destruction, blurring the lines between completeness and incompleteness. At times, they appear as fragmented or alienated forms, reinforcing a sense of impermanence and perpetual transformation in his creative practice.
A distinctive feature of Johannes Nagel’s ceramic art is his innovative sand-casting technique, where he burrows into sand to create negative spaces for porcelain casting. This experimental ceramic process highlights the tactile, hands-on nature of his work, with each sculptural vessel bearing the direct imprint of his artistic manipulation. The visible joints, fissures, and color variations in his handcrafted porcelain sculptures reinforce their raw, evolving aesthetic, emphasizing that his art is not about achieving flawless perfection but rather embracing the organic, ever-changing journey of creation.
His work is in the permanent collections of international institutions such as:
Victoria and Albert Museum, London, UK
Johannes Nagel lives and works in Hallen, Germany.
Taste Contemporary
Monique Deul Consultancy
Rue du Vieux-Billard 7
1205 Genève
Switzerland
