Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff

Organised by : Petworth House and Park

Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff invites visitors to experience Petworth anew, with these towering works positioned in the Capability Brown landscaped park and throughout the house.

Continuing Petworth's rich history of inspiring contemporary artists, Aylieff has created several new pieces, exhibited here for the first time. Highly decorative floral fencai enamelled vessels take reference from intricate wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons, while other sculptures draw on Petworth's magnificent collection of 17th-century Chinese porcelain.

In the Marble Hall, visitors can walk through a forest of huge blue and white pots, painted in cobalt blue glazes with brushstrokes full of movement. Climbing Petworth's Grand Staircase, they can look down on another monolithic work, whilst outside two soaring obelisks stand between the house and the lake.

In the exhibition room, film and photographs reveal the remarkable making process and its sheer physicality. A selection of Aylieff's fascinating mark-making tools is displayed, including giant horsehair brushes used to whip around the vessels to create energetic flicks and splashes.

Seeing my sculptures within Petworth's grand baroque setting is both exhilarating and humbling, says Aylieff. Petworth House has been a profound source of inspiration for me, for its extraordinary architectural presence and its deep connection to history and landscape.

The light, space, and sense of permanence within the house allow the work to resonate differently, echoing both the heritage of porcelain and the timeless atmosphere of Petworth's collection. I hope the setting encourages people to look more closely, experiencing the works as objects that hold memory, ornament, and a contemporary energy.

Aylieff's journey towards working at an unprecedented scale began with a visit to China in 2005 when she became captivated by the city of Jingdezhen, known for centuries for its high-quality porcelain production.

Aylieff has spent long periods living and working in China each year, developing close working relationships with craftspeople who have accumulated specialist skills and knowledge over generations.

Through a long-standing process of creative collaboration with them, Aylieff has forged an ambitious and experimental path combining tradition with innovation across cultures. This has enabled her to push the limits of her work in a notoriously challenging material.

Property Curator of Petworth House Dr. Emily Knight says: The dramatic grandeur of Aylieffs work conjures the same sense of spectacle and awe as Petworths baroque

interiors. This exhibition is a conversation between the past and present, and were thrilled to be showing new work by Aylieff in the place that inspired it.

Expressions in Blue has been made possible through support and collaboration with Adrian Sassoon, London, who represent the artist internationally.

Entry is free after normal admission to the house (free to National Trust members).