The Gribs
The Gribs

The Gribs, Yulia Batyrova and Marat Mukhametov, started working with ceramics in 2018. Their works explore the relationship between nature and the human soul, the processes of regeneration and rebirth. The duo creates work that lives at the intersection of sculpture and ceramics, using a unique technique to craft seemingly weightless porcelain forms that are grounded by concrete bases. They see their art as a reflection of nature’s constant movement and evolution a delicate balance between the shifting and the stable.

Batyrova and Mukhametov believe that creation is a quiet collaboration with nature, not an act of imposing form. Their process involves following the organic, formless movement of the materials, allowing each piece to arise naturally. By continuously experimenting with porcelain art, they discover the unique texture and shape that resonates with each element.

The dialogue between the static concrete pedestal and the mutable porcelain sculpture is central to the duo’s work. This tension represents the contrast between the artificial and the natural, and the fragile search for harmony in a world where the connection between humans and nature is often lost.

Every piece is an evolution of their style, reflecting the core philosophy of Batyrova and Mukhametov: to trace movement without trying to contain it. Their creations are a testament to handcrafted porcelain sculptures and modern ceramic artthat captures the fleeting beauty of motion.

The Gribs sculptures is held by major museums part of the collection of Yingge Ceramics Museum (Taiwan), Blanc de Chine The Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum (China).

Awards

2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025 — Finalist, Competition «Invented and Made in Russia» (Moscow, Russia)

2023, 2024 Finalist, Martinsons Award, Mark Rothko Art Centre (Daugavpils, Latvia)

2023  Selected for contest «Emerging artist 2023» by Ceramic Monthly

The Gribs works is held by major museums part of the collection of Yingge Ceramics Museum (Taiwan), Blanc de Chine, and Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum (China).

Awards and Recognition

3rd price at the International Ceramics Biennale, Yingge Ceramics Museum (Taiwan)

Finalist, International Ceramics Biennale, Guangdong Shiwan Ceramics Museum (China)

Finalist, Bizen Contemporary Ceramics Biennale (Japan)

Finalist, XIII International Ceramics Biennial of El Vendrell (Spain)

Finalist, 17th International Biennale of Artistic Ceramics of Aveiro (Portugal)

Finalist, 63rd FAENZA PRIZE (Italy)