Constructing a thematic structure for a group exhibition which keeps the door open for individual creativity is always a challenge. I was therefore very excited to come across the noun Cerebration which combines a play on the word celebration mixed with the cerebral thoughts of the artist as I felt it had particular relevance to Australia in the year 2000.

Just as the year 2000 gives us the opportunity to celebrate a new beginning, so too does an initial exploration, in the form of a marquette, sketch, or diary give the artist the basis for pursuing new ideas. Drawing this parallel provides a link between the beginning of the millennium with the beginning of a new series of work and all of the allusions to an unknown outcome. Exhibiting this beginning with the finished works allows us a glimpse into the artist's mind process, and enables us to share the excitement of that unpredictability

Ceramic artists were asked to submit a proposal, with supporting material, for The Australian Ceramics Association's biannual exhibition for the year 2000 at Manly Art Gallery andMuseum, titled Cerebration. By drawing together an Australia wide exhibition of sculptural ceramics we have aimed to show the impact of cultural, political and social diversity within contemporary Australia and reflect the nature of Australian society at this time.

Aside from the artist's proposals relevance to the exhibition theme, the panel was looking for work that had the clarity and strength that comes from experience, yet retained the initial spark of an idea that flashes into one's head and gives the artist the enthusiasm and determination to follow through the long making process to the end

To enable the gallery space to retain a spacious feeling, and to ensure that the display allowed visitors to the gallery to fully appreciate the works, we were determined to keep the number of exhibitors low. Given the quantity and quality of the submitted works this was a hard decision to maintain.

When selecting work, the panel aimed to arrive at a balance of established and emerging artists with a national representation and a variety of approaches, whilst maintaining a cohesive, overall result that would work well within the Gallery spaces. I feel the final selection of work has exceeded our aims and provides a group of work which is highly refined technically while reflecting complex ideas through the understated contrast between tension and sensitivity.

Going into the 21st Century with ceramic artists of this calibre portends well for the future of ceramics in Australia. I hope that this exhibition will also be able to reach out to new audiences and allow them to appreciate that in an increasingly wired world there is still a place for the quiet, personal contemplation of form.

Above right, illustration by Nicole Lister