Celebrating the Power of Decoration and Unseen Stories in Art

Anthony Sonnenberg's art champions the overlooked, using decorative elements to inspire reflection and dialogue, empowering marginalized voices through beauty.

Artistic Vision

At the core of my artistic journey lies a deep commitment to uplift those too often left in the shadows.

My work is intensely focused on illustrating facets of life that, within the prevailing heteronormative discourse, may seem trivial or overlooked.

By elevating these elements, I aim to reveal their intrinsic significance.

My artistic exploration spans various themes, including still lifes—especially floral arrangements—depictions of diverse bodies, expressions of queer identities, and a collection of domestic artifacts.

These motifs serve as my canvas for advocacy.

Yet, the most crucial aspect I defend is decoration itself.

To me, decoration represents a formidable yet frequently underappreciated force in society.

It shapes our understanding of social hierarchies, visually conveying who wields power and status—be it a president, a priest, or a prisoner.

The saying “seeing is believing” captures the essence of this visual dialogue.

Challenging Norms

The challenge is that this system often operates subtly in the background.

Its omnipresence can make it easily disregarded, leading us to overlook its significant impact.

To address this, I focus on the decorative elements that linger at the fringes of everyday life.

For instance, the objects associated with death and their intersection with queer identities emerge in my work as spaces rich with complexity.

These subtleties lay bare vulnerabilities in the social order, inviting questions and alternative viewpoints that contest societal norms.

Such dialogues, though they may begin quietly, hold the potential to resonate broadly and ultimately challenge deeply-held beliefs.

Featured Works

  • Double-tier Polka-dot Chandelier (Ode to Peak Bottom Culture), 2021-2023: An intricate chandelier combining porcelain and stoneware with found ceramic pieces, measuring 40 x 27 x 27 inches.
  • Pall (We Should Be Home By Now), 2021-2023: A striking assembly of steel, glazed porcelain, glass beads, and found fabrics, with dimensions of 15 x 28 x 67 inches.
  • Golden Epergne, 2023: Crafted in porcelain with a gold luster finish, this piece measures 13 inches in diameter and stands 19 x 20 inches tall.
  • Personal Monument with Pipe (Will You Always Be There?), 2022: A thoughtful blend of porcelain and found tchotchkes, measuring 33 x 23 x 9 inches.
  • Candelabra (To Know the Magic), 2022: An enchanting candelabra made from porcelain and recycled tchotchkes, standing 19 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 7 inches deep.
  • Urn (Get Back to the Garden), 2023: This urn, blending porcelain and tchotchkes, stands 27 inches tall and 9 inches wide and deep.
  • The Bunny Vase, 2023: A playful combination of porcelain and found elements, measuring 14 inches in diameter, 17 inches wide, and 21 inches tall.
  • Pair of Candelabras (No Way to Control It), 2023: This whimsical duo is crafted from porcelain, each measuring 6 inches in diameter, 10 inches wide, and 16 inches tall.
  • Candelabra (To Hell and Back), 2023: A unique porcelain creation measuring 8 inches in diameter, 14 inches wide, and 17.5 inches tall.
  • Basket (A Thousand Years Between), 2024: This piece features Cone 10 fired porcelain and stands 18 inches tall.
  • Vase with Handles (Backstage After the Show), 2023: Made from porcelain, measuring 12 inches in diameter, 12 inches wide, and 19 inches tall.
  • Blue Monday, 2022: A whimsical piece rendered in porcelain, standing 16.5 inches tall.
  • Double Gourd Vase (Filling Up My Senses), 2024: This charming creation stands 22 inches tall, crafted from porcelain.
  • Epergne with Candelabra and Vases (Museum Commission), 2024: A stunning commission measuring 40 inches tall.
  • Peace Pot (Anxiety Relief Bong), 2021: An inventive piece in porcelain, measuring 20.5 x 9.5 x 10 inches.
  • My Eyes are Starving for Beauty, 2024: A digital video artwork with variable dimensions for viewing.

With each artwork I create, I aspire to spark reflection, ignite dialogue, and ultimately empower those who may feel unseen.

Source: Ceramicsnow