A record 226 works from 73 ceramic artists will feature in the 2026 Ndebele Mining Ceramics Southern Africa Gauteng Regional Exhibition in Johannesburg.
Opening at Shepstone Gardens on Sunday, 30 August, the exhibition brings together established artists, students and emerging ceramicists, with 107 works submitted by artists who have never exhibited before.
The response represents significant growth for the regional exhibition, which has typically received around 150 works in previous years.
Organisers say the increase reflects renewed interest in ceramics as both a contemporary art form and creative practice, with younger artists playing an increasingly important role.
Students from Wits University and Tshwane University of Technology are among those participating this year.
Kevin Collins, National Chairperson of Ceramics Southern Africa, said the number of first-time exhibitors was particularly encouraging.
“There has been an extraordinary, renewed interest in ceramics, but what excites us most is seeing who is coming into the field. More than 100 of the works entered this year are from people who have never exhibited before. That is hugely encouraging,” Collins said.
He believes the tactile nature of ceramics is attracting people looking for creative experiences away from increasingly screen-dominated lives.
“Ceramics brings together art, design and craftsmanship in a very immediate, tactile way. At a time when so much of our lives happens on screens, people are rediscovering the pleasure of working with their hands and creating something tangible.”
South Africa’s renewed interest in ceramics reflects a wider international resurgence that has seen handmade and studio ceramics increasingly enter contemporary art, collectible design and interior spaces.
Locally, that growth builds on South Africa’s established ceramic tradition, with artists producing everything from functional pieces to sculptural and conceptual works.
The 226 entries will be considered by a selection panel led by Wilhelm van Rensburg, Nindya Bucktowar and Sonwabiso Ngcai, with selected works forming the final exhibition.
South African master potter Digby Hoets, who won the first Gauteng regional exhibition in 1972, will judge the selected works and determine this year’s award winners.
Emerging artists will also have an opportunity to receive financial support through a R10,000 New Signatures Award sponsored by Rand Merchant Bank.
Additional prizes are supported by Strauss & Co and Glazecor, while Ndebele Mining is sponsoring the exhibition. The company has supplied ceramic raw materials, including milled kaolin and pottery clays, to the South African market for more than 30 years.
Dr Zen Marie, Head of Fine Arts at Wits University, will officially open the exhibition, with the award winners announced on Sunday.
Beyond exhibiting the work, organisers want the event to introduce more members of the public to contemporary South African ceramics and the artists behind it.
“You don’t have to be a collector or understand the technical side of ceramics to come and enjoy this exhibition,” Collins said.
“We want people to walk in, see exceptional work, meet the people who made it and ask questions.”
Visitors will have an additional opportunity to engage with participating artists during a free artists’ walkabout at 10:30 on Wednesday, 2 September.
Exhibiting ceramicists will discuss their work, inspiration and techniques, while artists will also take turns “pot-sitting” throughout the exhibition, allowing visitors to speak directly to working ceramicists.
The 2026 Ndebele Mining Ceramics Southern Africa Gauteng Regional Exhibition runs from 30 August to 6 September at the Rooftop Chapel and Great Hall at Shepstone Gardens, 12 Hope Road, Mountainview, Johannesburg.
The exhibition will be open daily from 09:00 to 16:00 and admission is free. Works displayed at the exhibition will also be available for purchase.
