Daniel Pontoreau's Ceramic Landscapes: A Studio Visit and New Exhibition at La Còla

French sculptor and ceramist Daniel Pontoreau, known for his mineral, abstract ceramic sculptures that evoke imaginary geology, is the subject of a new exhibition, "Daniel Pontoreau. Le langage des pierres," at La Còla in Aigne, France, running until November 1. The exhibition is part of a new contemporary art center directed by Olivier Delavallade under the association L'ahah, opening in July 2026 in a rehabilitated cooperative cellar in the Minervois region. Pontoreau's studio in the Oise, built since 1980, features two large ateliers where he arranges his sculptures in theatrical, choreographed installations, reminiscent of Brancusi's studio. His work, influenced by Arte Povera and his travels, uses a mix of clays, some found objects, and natural materials, all fired to create textured, matte surfaces. He has exhibited internationally, including in Japan, where he was invited by Takesada Matsutani, and at the Keramis museum in Belgium. Notable works include "Deux pièces faciles" (2010) and "Première pierre" (2017). Pontoreau's practice, which began with public art projects and a 1981 exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs curated by François Mathey, has evolved into a unique form of ceramic installation art.