Chemo 1
Robert Arneson is perhaps best known for his ceramic sculptural pieces that challenge social and economic norms and beliefs prevalent in western civilization of his time.
Arneson was one of several California ceramists who in the 1960s began to abandon the traditional ceramic vessel in favor of experimenting with the use of clay to express concepts. Everyday items were created in clay to comment on contemporary socio-political issues. He became a leader in a movement that became known as Ceramic Funk, part of the larger Funk Movement that swept through California during the 1960s. Using his knowledge of art history, popular culture and substantial sculpting skills Arneson developed works of ceramic sculpturethat comment on politics, sex and everything outside the socially acceptable and that were shocking and offensive to many.
Other works by Arneson
Arneson in other collections
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Last updated: April 22, 2026
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