Nuclear Family (2024). Photo by Robert Bredvad courtesy of the artist and Alexander Berggruen, shared with permissionThrough Ceramics, Stephanie Shih Considers the Disillusioning Price of Domestic BlissJanuary 27, 2025ArtSocial IssuesJackie AndresNothing says true love like arguing about who left the cap off the toothpaste, right? From a darkly comedic perspective, Stephanie Shih explores the multiple meanings of domestic bliss in a social landscape fraught with consumerism and clashing politics.It all started with the 1998 self-help book, Divorce for Dummies. The sardonic humor of a goofy cartoon character exclamatorily holding up a finger offering counsel to ones broken marriagefor the totally reasonable price of $19.99was a catalyst for Shihs interest in the capitalist absurdity that came with the divorce boom of the 1980s and 90s.Chores (2024). Photo by Robert BredvadShifting social and cultural factors, such as the introduction of no-fault divorce laws and emergent waves of feminism, drastically impacted the outlook on divorce in America. Rising individualism, disillusionment with the idea of a nuclear family, and the reclamation of feminine independence all played a part in annulment rates doubling for those aged over 35.In Shihs solo exhibition aptly titledDomestic Bliss, the Brooklyn-based artist spotlights what the gallery, Alexander Berggruen, describes as artifacts of a single household. The array of objects evoke the reality of a time when materialism, distorted expectations, and self-loathing created a perfect storm.A Thigh Master one likely ordered from QVC in the deep hours of night sits alone on a pedestal, epitomizing the ways in which consumer culture preyed upon insecurities, only to sell women the illusion of control. Prisoner of Desire rests face-down on an ironing board to hold ones place as escapism is interrupted by the mediocrity of chores. TV dinners stack atop a glowing microwave to signify power dynamics, a substantial portion of Hungry Man reserved for the father and the smallest box reserved for the mother.Expanding upon her previous domestic sculptures, each ceramic object evokes a sense of realism, thanks to the artists thoroughness. As the exhibition text explains, Shih scoured eBay listings for photo references and exact dimensions of discontinued packaging in order to faithfully sculpt each object in its era-appropriate likeness. A range of materials and techniques are then applied to each form, such as hand-painted underglaze, dyed resin, and even electrical elements like lighting. Every step of the way, the artist skillfully instills the mundane with liveliness.Domestic Bliss is on view at Alexander Berggruen in New York City through February 26. Find much more on Shihs Instagram and website. Dissolution (2024). Photo by Robert BredvadPhoto by Robert BredvadJagged Little Pill (2024). Photo by Robert BredvadInstallation of Domestic Bliss (2024). Photo by Dario LasagniHappy Meal (2024). Photo by Robert BredvadHot Pockets (2024). Photo by Robert BredvadInstallation of Domestic Bliss (2024). Photo by Dario LasagniInstallation of Domestic Bliss (2024). Photo by Dario LasagniNext article