Hot Porcelains: Still[ed] Life

Ceramicist duo Katie Parker and Guy Michael Davis combine the research ethics of historians with the forward-thinking innovation of technophiles. Using 3-D scanning technology, they create porcelain sculptures that are decorated with historically inspired patterning. Parker and Davis’ final installations of these works conjures historical revival interior design. Their porcelains are a perfect match to the Taft Musuem of Art’s ongoing commitment to the exhibition of local artists. Opening Aug. 5, the Taft will present Still[ed] Life, an exhibition of new porcelain works inspired by the Taft’s permanent collection. The artists were invited to make scans of objects from the collection, including Hiram Powers’ marble Bust of Alphonso Taft. Objects based on these scans can be cast at different sizes and manipulated into elegant, disquietingly surreal displays. Still[ed] Life will be presented in the Sinton Gallery, which offers two times the amount of exhibition space than the small space where contemporary artists have been exhibited previously. Exhibition will continue through Oct. 16. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, www.taftmuseum.org.