ALTHOFF, Kai
Kai Althoff goes with Bernard Leach

From the very beginning of planning this show, the artist talked of Bernard Leach and his deeply rooted love for the work of this man, extending to his writing and thought, which is intangible anyhow.
After all, Kai Althoff says, would he not have become what he is now, he would have pursued being a potter as well.
Instead, he has always been drawing and painting, making things including music – yet never a ‘pot proper’.
—Francia Gimble-Masters

Published to accompany the exhibition at Whitechapel Gallery from 7 October 2020–10 January 2021, this beautiful and unique catalogue brings together approximately 90 works spanning Kai Althoff’s career, from childhood drawings and photographs to textiles and new paintings, as well as illustrating Althoff's selection of 45 of British potter Bernard Leach’s (1887–1979) ceramic vessels and tiles from UK collections.

Featuring original contributions from writer and artist Dominic Eichler; curator Kathy Halbreich; artist and experimental musician Hanayo Nakajima; Olympic snowboarder Iouri Podlatchikov; author and journalist Kolja Reichert; curator of the Leach Pottery in St Ives, Matthew Tyas; and young visitors associated with the gallery’s education programme. The publication also includes brand new photography of the exhibition and a complete list of works and bibliographies for both artists.

[publisher's note]

Published by Whitechapel Gallery, 2021
Exhibition Catalogues / Conversations