Yulia Batyrova & Marat Mukhametov
The Gribs
Porcelain maker
Beaufort en Argonne, France
Sculptural concrete ornamented with porcelain
- Yulia and Marat build their pieces from thousands of small porcelain elements
- Their work sits in the space between mixed media sculptures and ceramics
- The duo is inspired by music, fashion and nature
Self-taught ceramicists Yulia Batyrova and Marat Mukhametov, who work under the name The Gribs, began working together after meeting in 2015. “In our first apartment, we set up a small studio: a kiln placed on the balcony,” the duo shares. What began as a way to slow down gradually became central to their lives, pushing them to leave their jobs behind and pursue ceramics full time. Yulia and Marat started by making functional objects but quickly moved towards more sculptural creations. During Covid, their adventures in the forest led to the development of their defining technique: assembling multiple porcelain elements on a concrete base. Built from thousands of small elements, Yulia and Marat’s work exists between sculpture and ceramics, reflecting a continuous process where each piece leads to the next.
INTERVIEW
A new object always begins with an idea that either gradually takes shape or appears instantly, sparked by a strong impression. At times, it requires silence and concentration, and at others, it develops through discussions between the two of us. Either way, the process is continuous and never fully stops.
Our process unfolds in two stages. We do not work with porcelain in a traditional way, we approach it as sculptors. We begin with a form and then gradually dress it with multiple porcelain elements. The form itself does not change, but its presence does. Much like dressing a woman, the structure remains, but the perception shifts.
We learned to let go of control and allow the process to unfold more intuitively. When we give the work some space to develop on its own terms, it often leads to unexpected results, and they are usually better than what we initially imagined.
Neither expect quick results, nor expect clay to solve your problems. The idea of clay therapy is a myth. The material does not comfort you or clear your mind, it remains indifferent. Let go of these expectations, and only then you might begin to make something meaningful.
EDITED_Vase_Tetsu_Michael_Maio_Céramiste (1)©Michael Maio.jpg)
EDITED_Décor_pièce_Michael_Maio_Céramiste (2)©Michael Maio.jpg)
EDITED_Décor_pièce_Michael_Maio_Céramiste (1)©Michael Maio.jpg)
