Installation view of “Ranti Bam: Anima,” James Cohan Gallery, 291 Grand Street, New York, N.Y. (May 17-July 26, 2024). | Photo by Phoebe Dheurle
On View presents images from noteworthy exhibitions
FOR HER FIRST EXHIBITION in New York, British Nigerian artist Ranti Bam (b. 1982) is presenting two bodies of sculptural ceramics: Abstract Vessels and Ifas. “Ranti Bam: Anima” at James Cohan Gallery features 15 new works made in 2024. In fact, all the works on view are vessels and abstract in form. Inspired by Eden and Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch’s painting “The Garden of Earthly Delights” (circa 1490-1510), the Abstract Vessels feature eclectic palettes and organic shapes, patterns and footings. “Ifa” has multiple meanings in Yoruba. Bam channels its references to divination and “to pull close.” At once abstract and corporal, the artist’s hand is present in the Ifa works. Produced in raw terra cotta and charcoal black clay tones, the collapsed vessels exhibit beauty borne of fragility and vulnerability. CT
“Ranti Bam: Anima” is on view at James Cohan Gallery, 291 Grand Street, New York, N.Y., from May 17-July 26, 2024
RANTI BAM, “Itunu,” 2024 (glazed stoneware, 27 1/2 x 13 x 11 inches / 69.8 x 33 x 27.9 cm). Detail view at right. | © Ranti Bam. Photos by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, “Mimo,” 2024 (glazed stoneware, 29 x 12 x 12 inches / 73.7 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm). | © Ranti Bam. Photo by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, Alternative views of “Ifa 1,” 2024 (stoneware, 40 1/2 x 15 x 16 inches / 102.9 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm). | © Ranti Bam. Photos by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, “Aitou,” 2024 (glazed stoneware, 28 3/4 x 10 x 10 inches / 73 x 25.4 x 25.4 cm). Detail view at right. | © Ranti Bam. Photos by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
Installation view of “Ranti Bam: Anima,” James Cohan Gallery, 291 Grand Street, New York, N.Y. (May 17-July 26, 2024). | Photo by Phoebe Dheurle
RANTI BAM, “Klaado,” 2024 (glazed stoneware, 29 x 13 x 13 inches / 73.7 x 33 x 33 cm). | © Ranti Bam. Photo by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, “Vrazi,” 2024 (glazed earthenware, 26 1/2 x 10 x 10 inches / 67.3 x 25.4 x 25.4 cm). Detail view at right. | © Ranti Bam. Photos by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, “Ifa 3,” 2024 (stoneware, 27 x 18 x 16 inches / 68.6 x 45.7 x 40.6 cm). | © Ranti Bam. Photo by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, “Kiklos,” 2024 (glazed earthenware, 27 x 13 1/2 x 10 1/2 inches / 68.6 x 34.3 x 26.7 cm). Detail view at right. | © Ranti Bam. Photos by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
RANTI BAM, Alternative views of “Anesii,” 2024 (glazed earthenware, 29 x 13 x 11 inches / 73.7 x 33 x 27.9 cm). | © Ranti Bam. Photos by Matthew Hermann, Courtesy the artist and James Cohan Gallery
Installation view of “Ranti Bam: Anima,” James Cohan Gallery, 291 Grand Street, New York, N.Y. (May 17-July 26, 2024). | Photo by Phoebe Dheurle
FIND MORE about Ranti Bam, who splits her time between London and Lagos, on Instagram
