Created during the recent quarantine, “Progress” is the first of Molly Hatch’s work to incorporate hand-thrown, dimensional discs as a ground for her practice of recontextualizing historic imagery and pattern. The slightly concave discs range in both size and depth. The size and depth of the 57 discs increases from right to left exposing more and more of the painted profile of each disc, and producing the ability to change or move as the work is viewed from different angles.

The primary imagery composing the front surface of “Progress” is a magnification of an 18th century Indian weaving. By greatly increasing the scale of the textile, Hatch has rendered a highly digitized, and decidedly contemporary pattern. Juxtaposing the rigid graphic design of the work’s face are the lush green swirls of the painted malachite pattern that adorns each disc’s profile. Malachite, considered a powerful metaphysical stone, is often used for healing, positive transformation, and achieving harmony and balance. Much like the act of weaving itself, where each thread contributes to the ultimate pattern, each component of “Progress” is essential to the wholeness of Hatch’s final vision.

In the past decade, the name Molly Hatch has become synonymous with contemporary ceramics. Hatch’s ceramic installations, inspired by historical decoration, have been exhibited and collected all over the world and garnered her a loyal and fervent following. Todd Merrill Studio has represented Hatch since 2013.