Sabbia is pleased to present this long awaited solo exhibition by ceramic artist Maricelle Olivier.
Maricelle Olivier encapsulates memories and nostalgia through her ceramic works, infusing a unique cross-cultural language from her birth place of South Africa with the Australian landscape. Vessels adorning vivid, colourful patterns captures the feeling of “home” and enable Maricelle to explore her personal history and maintain a strong connection to her heritage.
Currently based in Canberra, Maricelle holds a Bachelor and Master of Fine Art in Ceramics from the National Art School. Maricelle has exhibited widely across Australia, including at Sydney Contemporary and the major exhibition Clay Dynasty at the Powerhouse Museum. Her work has been featured in several prestigious finalist exhibitions, such as the Ravenswood Australian Women’s Art Prize (2024), the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize (2024), and the Fisher’s Ghost Art Award (2024). A selection of works has also been acquired into the collections of National Art School and City of Sydney. In addition to her studio practice, Maricelle is currently a guest curator and ceramic teacher at the Canberra Potters Society. She is also a regular visiting artist at Ernabella Arts Centre, APY Lands, previously working as the Ceramic Studio Manager from 2019 until 2021.
‘A line is a simple, basic element that holds within its simplicity an abundance of meaning and ideas. A single line may seem insignificant on its own, yet when combined and layered, they can tell a story within the patterns formed. In my work, the repetition and variations of line, combined with colour, create movement, structure, and meaning. Each piece becomes a visual narrative—an embodiment of layered emotions, memories, and abstract impressions of the surrounding natural world. People often ask me if I am sick of drawing lines on my work, and the answer is no. Each line is drawn on individually, one by one. I must have drawn a thousand lines a thousand times over, yet every line feels unique. These lines are not perfect – but in their imperfection lies a rhythm, a personal signature that makes each work distinctly “mine”. At its core, a line is simply a mark connecting two points, but personally, it holds deeper meaning. It tells my life story and serves as a thread that connects me to my South African heritage. Maricelle Olivier, 2025
