Simplicity and Complexity
Renowned ceramic artist Jin Eui Kim’s solo exhibition transforms The Base Gallery this summer
This summer, The Base, Greenham invites visitors to experience Simplicity and Complexity, a compelling new exhibition by internationally renowned ceramic artist Jin Eui Kim.
Opening on Friday 26 June and running through to Sunday 30 August, the Simplicity and Complexity exhibition brings together a striking series of sculptural works that explore the intriguing themes of illusion and reality.
Working with carefully shaped clay, Jin Eui creates pieces using tonal gradients, precise lines, and patterns, giving his sculptures the appearance that they transform as the viewer moves around them.
The work is rooted in optical illusions and influenced by Optical Art, and Jin Eui’s practice reflects a deep fascination with perception and spatial awareness.
Originally from South Korea and now based in Cardiff, Jin Eui Kim is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist.
He studied at Cardiff School of Art & Design, where he developed his distinctive exploration of tonal bands on three-dimensional surfaces, graduating with both an MA and a PhD in Ceramics.
His work has been exhibited widely across the UK and internationally and is held in major public collections including Manchester Art Gallery and the National Museum Wales.
A thoughtfully curated programme of events runs alongside the Simplicity and Complexity exhibition, offering visitors of all ages meaningful ways to engage with both the artwork and the gallery environment.
Their Summer of Clay features a huge range of workshops from Pottery Throwing and Raku Clay to Silver Clay or Polymer Clay Jewellery Making.
Visitors can enjoy a special evening Talk with Jin Eui Kim himself on Thursday 9 July.
The event begins with an opportunity to view the exhibition, before moving into Honesty café for an insightful talk and masterclass.
Jin Eui will introduce his practice and discuss the development of a recent project, sharing how ideas evolve from initial concept to finished work.
This will be followed by a live wheel-throwing demonstration, offering a rare glimpse into both the technical precision and creative thinking behind his distinctive sculptures.
You can find out more about the Summer of Clay programme by visiting: https://thebasegreenham.co.uk/event/summer-of-clay
The Base’s Songs and Stories in the Gallery sessions (Saturday 4 July, Thursday 23 July, Saturday 8 August and Thursday 20 August) make the perfect introduction to exhibitions for the smallest members of the family, as visitors join professional singer Louise Ashdown through a gentle session of nursery rhymes, story readings, sensory play and movement.
Set within the inspiring surroundings of the gallery, these sessions provide a calm and creative space for bonding and early exploration.
Families are also warmly encouraged to attend dedicated Family Days on Saturday 18 July and Thursday 13 August, where the building becomes a vibrant hub of creativity.
Visitors can explore the exhibition together, peek inside artist studios, and follow art-inspired trails, while the upstairs space is transformed with free, hands-on art and craft activities inspired by the exhibition.
These days are designed to make the gallery feel welcoming and engaging for younger audiences, offering an opportunity to create, play, and connect through art.
The Base will also host Relaxed Days for the exhibition on Thursday 2 July and Thursday 27 August, where small but significant adjustments help create a more comfortable experience for those who prefer a quieter environment.
Visitor numbers will be limited through timed entry, background music will be turned off, and hand-dryers replaced with disposable towels to reduce noise, making the exhibition more accessible for visitors with neurodivergences or anyone with sensory sensitivities.
For those looking to experience the exhibition in a more social setting, Gallery Lates (Thursday 16 July and Thursday 20 August) extend the opening hours until 8pm.
These evenings offer the chance to unwind midweek, enjoy the work at a slower pace, and take in the atmosphere with friends or loved ones.
Visitors can also sample complimentary tasters from Renegade Brewery, adding an extra touch to a unique cultural night out.
For more information or to book your visit, go to thebasegreenham.co.uk
The base
The Base opened on Friday 8 February 2019 in partnership with Greenham Trust and the Corn Exchange.
It became a registered charity in 2022 (charity no. 1199188) and is dedicated to improving access to the arts whilst bringing quality visual art to the local area.
Situated in a purpose-built arts and craft building, The Base’s £1.7M venue was designed by Sutton Griffin Architects of Newbury.
The space comprises of a 110sqm gallery, artists’ studios and a workshop for participatory classes.
There is also a café facility managed by Honesty Café group.
Striving to be a flagship visual arts venue in West Berkshire, The Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 54 exhibition launched the inaugural gallery programme.
Displaying some of the best wildlife photography from across the globe, the exhibition comprised of 100 photograph across 7 categories and is renowned for attracting millions of visitors around the world every year.
The Base is also home to 8 visual artists and craft makers as well as Open Studios West Berkshire and North Hampshire, who present their annual INSIGHT exhibition at The Base every May.
GALLERY OPENING TIMES
The gallery opening times and days vary depending on which exhibition is being presented.
Please check the exhibition pages before you travel to ensure the gallery will be open.
Purchase a Base Pass and gain unlimited access to their Gallery for 12 months – find out more here
Honesty Cafe is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm and 9.30am – 4pm on Sundays.
From a fully accessible building to relaxed visit days, they are dedicated to making their venue and exhibitions accessible for everyone.
Please visit the Accessibility page for information about the facilities at The Base.
Tickets for all exhibitions and workshops at The Base can be booked via the Corn Exchange Box Office: 01635 522733
Their phone lines are open daily: Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm (or until 7pm if there is a performance on), Sunday, 10.30am to 4pm
The Base Greenham, Greenham Business Park, Communications Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 6HN
Please contact admin@thebasegreenham.co.u
Throughout the year, The Base attracts high quality touring exhibitions from the likes of the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and more.
They know that sometimes one visit just isn’t enough to take in all the talent on show.
So they bring you the Base Pass, enabling you to come and go as often as you like to each exhibition for a whole year!
Unlimited entry to The Base Gallery for 12 months*
10% off at Honesty owned cafes
PLEASE NOTE: Your new Base Pass card will be ready to collect on your next visit to The Base!
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