Erez Ben-Or was born in Israel and has been based in Sydney, Australia, for over 25 years. In 2007, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with first-class honours from the National Art School, Sydney. With a background in graphic design and a passion for architecture, Erez transitioned into ceramics to explore the tactile and expressive potential of clay.
Drawing inspiration from Brutalist architecture, Erez hand-builds his work using a clay slab technique, creating monolithic forms that celebrate raw materiality and geometric precision. His pieces, often unglazed on the exterior to highlight their texture, have a functional core with glazed interiors. Erez’s work has been featured in exhibitions and is sought after by collectors for its unique blend of form, function, and architectural inspiration.
Erez Ben-Or’s ceramic practice is deeply influenced by the textures, forms, and rhythms of Brutalist architecture. Inspired by the imposing, geometric nature and raw materiality of "Béton brut" (raw concrete), his work bridges the worlds of architecture and design, reflecting his background in graphic design. Using a clay slab technique, Erez constructs static, monolithic forms with an immediacy and materiality reminiscent of concrete. His surfaces are finished with slips to emphasize texture, while interior glazing ensures functionality.
The Monument series embodies two key influences: a fascination with architecture and the built environment, and a love of science fiction. While the forms are grounded in the weight and solidity of Brutalism, rhythmic organic motifs introduce a sense of playfulness, balancing the austere and the dynamic. Through his work, Erez explores the interplay between the monumental and the intimate, crafting vessels that are as sculptural as they are functional.