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William Mora, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, spent his formative years in Quebec, Canada, where he navigated the intricate blend of two distinct cultures. This unique upbringing serves as the cornerstone of his artistic expression, a fusion of influences stemming from his Colombian roots and Canadian upbringing. As a multidisciplinary artist based in Montréal (Tio’tia:ke), Mora delves primarily into ceramics and graphic arts, reflecting his ongoing exploration of cultural identity. A recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture and Ceramics from Concordia University, Mora is deeply engaged in unraveling the complexities of visual communication and its historical contexts through his research studio, Memory Land Studio.

Mora’s artistic journey has taken him across borders, participating in residencies in France and Canada, where he immersed himself in diverse artistic communities and expanded his creative horizons. His exhibitions, ranging from Paris to Mexico City, serve as platforms for his thought-provoking creations, such as Attaches Parisiennes pour Poignées de Porte at Villa Belleville and Annihilation at Galerie Laroche/Joncas. Through his participation in international art fairs like Material in Mexico City (2024) and local exhibitions such as Plural in Montréal (2023)  and Paradis et Liberté in Québec City (2022), Mora’s work bridges geographical divides, inviting viewers into a world of visual exploration and cultural dialogue.


Residency Villa Belleville2023 Presented at Villa Bellevillle as part of exhibition,
Attaches parisiennes pour poignées de porte

Paris, France
2023
    Pré-Clignancourt 93 
    Different size 
    Stoneware and Glaze 
    2023

Photo by Adèle Onnillon

Collectibles and researches made in collaboration between
William Mora, Miel Divin and Ajile le Cercle.
Paris, France
2023
    Pré-Clignancourt 93 Collectibles
    Different size 
    PLA and Acrylic
    2023

Photo by William Mora, Ajile le Cercle and Miel Divin
Collectibles made in collaboration between William Mora, Miel Divin, and Ajile le Cercle. Signed and numbered, each one is unique.

This project is the result of a collaboration between technology and traditional craftsmanship. These pieces were developed through 3D scanning of clay objects created during the residency at Villa Belleville called Pré-Clignancourt 93. These unique, hand-modeled pieces, inspired by pre-Columbian objects and ceramics, are transformed into fictitious consumer items through 3D scanning and printing. This process raises questions about the consumption of real versus fake objects, but the project was also created for the fun of exploring modern technologies and incorporating them into my practice of cultural hybridization and conservation issues.
The name is inspired by the Clignancourt Market, a place where cultures clash, and social disparity is present. This market, known for selling both unique antiques and fictitious consumer goods, was one of my sources of inspiration for this project an exploration and a way to have fun.

Collectibles are 3D printed in PLA by Miel Divin, scanned from ceramic sculptures by William Mora, with airbrushed acrylic additions by Ajile. 

Made in Paris during summer 2023.

LINK TO THE PROJECT


Ceramic objects and graphics for Memory Land Studio.
Paris, France
2023
You & I are, Earth Serie
Different size
Porcelain, Glaze, Laser Engraving and Screenprinted T-shirt 
2023

Photo by Adèle Onnillon and MLS
You & I are, Earth, 2023, Merchandise Memory Land Studio, T-Shirt and Porcelain is a unique project that features a compilation of MLS logos created from monogrammed numbers, initial letters, and marks inscribed on pottery and porcelain. This project is realized thanks to a thorough compilation in a dictionary of marks by Raph. M and Terry. H Kovel from the book Kovels' Dictionary of Marks / Pottery And Porcelain: 1650 to 1850, along with several other dictionaries.

These books, organized by important characteristics and with a comprehensive cross-reference system, allow for quick identification of the geographical location of the mark, the factory or family name of the manufacturer, the type of product, the method of production of the mark on the object, the color of the mark, and the period during which the mark was used. These encyclopedias provide the fastest way to identify American, English, European, Chinese porcelain and more. Once a piece is identified, research and experience.

We have created a series of plates incorporating several of these marks to create our own, including our studio name, location, and year of production. These marks, traditionally hand-applied on the botton of plates, have been placed on the top and laser-engraved onto the porcelain. In this way, the tradition of industrial pottery is repeated through the use of molds and marks, but with a contemporary twist.
The inspiration behind this project stems from the rich history and meticulous documentation of pottery and porcelain marks found in various historical dictionaries. Kovels' Dictionary of Marks - Pottery And Porcelain: 1650 to 1850, among others, serves as a vital resource in tracing the origins and characteristics of pottery marks. These marks, often small and intricate, tell stories of their creators and their era.

By studying these marks and their details, we aimed to bridge the past with the present. Our series of plates not only honors these historical traditions but also integrates modern techniques, such as laser engraving, to create something entirely new and unique. Each piece is a testament to the enduring legacy of pottery craftsmanship and our studio's dedication to preserving and innovating within this art form. This projet was presented in December 2023 in Paris, France at Villa Belleville.

-MLS.

LINK TO THE PROJECT /  MEMORY LAND STUDIO.




William Mora is a freelance designer and visual artist based in Tio’tia:ke / Mooniyang / Montréal.