‘Buon Compleanno’
Spotlight on Ceramicist Monica Vaccari
by Hazel Clarke
The synergy between art, architecture, and spiritualism never ceases to amaze me—their integration creates a whole far greater than the sum of their parts. This magical tripartite is beautifully embodied by Italian ceramicist Monica Vaccari, now practising in Basel, who combines these elements with flair.
Born in 1965, Vaccari began her artistic journey in Modena, completing her undergraduate degree in Graphic Design and Photography. She then pursued a Master's degree in Architecture at the prestigious Politecnico di Milano. But even with a master's under her belt, Vaccari couldn't resist the pull of personal expression through the language of photography and, most notably, ceramics.
During her transformative years in the Netherlands from 2005 to 2008, working at the Vrije Academie in The Hague, her artistic voice blossomed. Since then, Vaccari has showcased her work across Europe, in Amsterdam, The Hague, Brussels, and London—and from 2022, she extended her international footprint with regular appearances at Volta International art fair in Basel with Galerie Katapult and exhibitions in Texas with the Unchained.Art Contemporary Gallery.
Our Experimental Encounter
It’s Vaccari’s birthday, and I meet her along with gallerist and curator Thessy Schoenholzer-Nichols. Our rendezvous is at the edgy ‘Alchemist’ restaurant bar in Basel. We’re here to discuss an exhibition celebrating Vaccari’s 60th birthday. Don’t think about ordering a Negroni or any other standard cocktail—this establishment is all about experimentation, designing its own unique cocktails from scratch. What a perfect setting for our meeting. With drinks ordered, and in no time at all, we’re viewing visuals of Vaccari’s work via Thessy’s computer, while the artist herself provides a fascinating commentary on each piece.
Crafting Symbolism through Clay
Immersing ourselves in Vaccari’s ceramic realm, her take on this ancient craft dating back to 28000 BCE (Before Common Era) during the late Paleolithic period, becomes increasingly compelling. Personally, I adore ceramics but I’ve always been reticent about displaying them in my home, for fear of accidental breakage. However, Vaccari’s creations defy that fragility. Regardless of size, her pieces appear solid and grounded.
It is clear that Vaccari’s architectural and Italian heritage profoundly influence the structure and form of her work whilst religious and spiritual tones also pervade. Her sculptures embody strength, power and protection, symbolised by figures of warriors and matriarchs. Paradoxically, their faces are soft and feminine, diffusing a sense of introspection, motherhood, rebirth, intimacy and a deep connection to nature—recognisably themes of peace and gentleness, yet arguably the strongest forces on earth. How acutely relevant this is in today’s tumultuous world!
Etching her ‘Trademark’
Equally striking are the intricate decorations that adorn each piece, shrouding the figures like cloaks or etching their skin like tattoos. Our conversation naturally shifts towards the techniques behind her ‘trademark’ patterned surfaces. Her process is easy to follow. She applies manganese oxide mixed with water to the carved surface to emphasise its patterned relief and structure. After selectively sponging off areas and re-firing, the residual manganese lodged in the crevices gives the object its dark, metallic sheen. It’s a traditional method executed by Vaccari to great effect.
“Through the use of sustainable materials, organic forms, and nature-inspired patterns, I seek to highlight the harmony and balance that exists within the natural world, as well as the consequences when that balance is disrupted.” M. Vaccari 2025.
‘Buon Compleanno’: A Treat to Savour
When you visit ‘Buon Compleanno’, at the Praxis Gallery in Basel (Bäumleingasse, 9, 4051) you’re in for a treat. There are fourteen exquisite pieces in this exhibition. Not wishing to give away too many ‘spoilers’, here are four of my personal favourites.
Maternità is inspired by the 15th century painting 'Virgin of Mercy’, by Piero della Francesca portraying the mercifully protective gesture of the Madonna. The mother in Vaccari’s piece similarly shields her children beneath her cloak as a compassionate guardian of life.
Guerriera depicts a peaceful, meditating warrior. The geometrical shapes on his armour emphasised by the manganese oxide, symbolise his defence from all dangers. Strong and invincible and resembling a Samurai, ‘his’ bravery could be ‘hers’, blurring traditional gender preconceptions.
Rinascità portrays a newborn child surrounded by ash, a product of the raku firing process, symbolising the seed of death within the infant. Whilst seemingly morbid, it brings to mind thoughts of our inherent wisdom from birth—a warm and comforting realisation.
Speranza depicts a woman, colourful and serene gazing up towards the sky. The feminine structure evokes a bold sense of hope and faith. Its simplicity and detailed carvings combine to create a harmonious balance that is aesthetically delightful.
“Like the layers of bark on a tree or the hardened shell of an animal, we, too, create shields to protect ourselves from harm, both physical and emotional.” M. Vaccari 2025.
The Sanctuary of Art
Through her masterful use of form and structure, Vaccari’s artistry rekindles our innate human senses, inviting us to step into the gap between strength and softness, the tangible and the spiritual. It calls us to understand the layers we have built, the fears we have faced, and the truths we are yet to embrace. As our meeting concludes, our trio is left contemplating how art, depicted through the feminine eye, has the unending potential to act as our shield, our protector, and perhaps even our gateway back to sanity.
