F.Hoffman-La Roche AG 125th Anniversary Commission
Museum Tinguely, Basel, Switzerland. October 2021 - January 2022
The Art Academy of Latvia, Riga. 19th August 2022 - 29th September 2022
As part of the 125th Anniversary events marking the foundation of the Swiss pharmaceutical company F. Hoffman-La Roche, Paddy was commissioned to create a major series of new ceramic works to be exhibited alongside a retrospective of his earlier work complimenting the focus of the commission. Taking the groundbreaking symposium ‘The Challenge of Life’ instigated by Roche in 1971 as a primary influence, Paddy created artwork with surprising outcomes, inspired by and responding to how advances in biomedical science have and potentially could impact upon society, both its benefit and its detriment.
Developed in close collaboration with Roche Historical Archive Curator Mr Alexander Bieri, the body of new work comprised of 80 objects across 6 groups of artworks. These addressed often controversial themes including the necessary change in attitude towards euthanasia and life prolonging healthcare, the rise of anti-vax culture, the prevalence of internet based science mis/communication, ‘soft’ eugenics, the proliferation of cosmetic surgery and the shifting balance of demographics and rise in age related disease.
Each group of works employed a different making process and incorporated a hybrid of techniques across throwing, hand building, modelling, slip casting as well as a range of glazing and surface embellishment techniques. In addition, components including fabricated aluminium, blown glass, silver, glass and kinetic elements were introduced into the work.
The Cost of Life. Museum Tinguely, Basel, Switzerland. 2021
“The notion at the forefront of my mind whilst developing the artwork and reiterated my collaborators at Roche, was that wherever possible, healthcare and in particular the pharmaceutical industry should aim to add life to years, and not years to life. To improve the quality of life rather than to extend it”.
-Paddy Hartley-
The year long commission culminated in the exhibition ‘The Cost of Life’ hosted by Museum Tinguely, Basel, Switzerland from October 2021 - January 2022 and is currently on display in The Great Hall of The Art Academy of Latvia until 29th September 2022.
The Cost of Life. Art Academy of Latvia. 2022
Making ‘The Cost of Life’
Documentary short by Dr Barry J Gibb
The film ‘The Cost of Life’ documented a composite typical day in the studio with Paddy in the making of the artwork for ‘The Cost of Life’ commission. The film touches upon many of the processes and techniques unique to the creation of the work. Filmed over the course of three days in Paddy’s Berwick Upon Tweed studio, award winning film maker and author Dr Barry J Gibb captures the essence of day to day studio life. The film was created in collaboration with Paddy and writer Jonathan Steffen and features a very special special guest star appearance.
Legacy Limited Editions
In addition to the commissioned ceramics and complimentary retrospective artworks, a limited edition artwork. Working in collaboration with woodturner Daniel Fearnley and graphic designer Gareth Howell, Paddy designed a 365 porcelain spinner limited edition manufactured by Laverick & Son fine porcelain makers.
