Odundo

Odundo commonly refers to Magdalene Odundo, a Kenyan-born British ceramic artist whose work is widely regarded as a benchmark in contemporary ceramics. Since the late 20th century, her practice has combined refined craft with sculptural form, and she has contributed as an artist, educator, and curator.

Her technique centers on hand-built vessels. She often uses coil-building and pinching, followed by burnishing to create a smooth, near-glassy surface. The firing and glaze processes yield rich, earthy colors such as red, black, and terracotta. Her forms tend to be elongated and elegant, with careful attention to balance, rhythm, and negative space.

Themes in Odundo's work include materiality, cultural exchange, and the sense of timelessness in everyday objects. Her pieces evoke African ceramic traditions and Western modernist influences, navigating between continuity and innovation.

Career and recognition: Odundo has taught and lectured at universities and art schools in the United Kingdom and abroad. Her work is held in major public collections and has been the subject of retrospective exhibitions. She has been honored with the title Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to the arts.

Legacy: As one of the most influential ceramic artists of her generation, Odundo's refined approach to form and surface continues to inspire younger makers and expand the visibility of ceramics in contemporary art.