The Art of the Cup: Variations on Cups from RAM’s Collection

A cup has historically been defined as a bowl-shaped vessel for drinking, usually outfitted with a handle. While a cup can have social or cultural functions beyond use, such as a trophy or a vessel used within religious ceremonies, its primary historical role has been functional—as a container of liquid. Cups, made with a variety of materials, have been unearthed in archaeological digs throughout the world.

Contemporary artists, balancing the traditions of the past with those of the present, make cups that reflect their style and creative explorations. The Art of the Cup: Variations on Cups from RAM’s Collection—with works made of clay, glass, and metal—features contemporary iterations of cup forms, sometimes as multiples within a set.

For more information about this exhibition, please visit https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/art-of-the-cup/