Works from one of CFile’s favorites, “The Mad Potter” George Ohr, were on display in August at the Craig F. Starr Gallery in New York. As the name implies, the pieces on display are wholly unique while showcasing Ohr’s singular skill at the wheel. The gallery supported the show with a catalogue which is available for order here.
(Left) George Ohr, Vase, ca. January 1895-1900, glazed ceramic, 9 1/4 x 4 1/2 inches. (Center) Vase, ca. January 189501900, glazed ceramic, 10 3/4 x 6 7/8 inches. (Right) Vase, ca. 1898 – 1910, glazed ceramic, 7 1/2 x 4 5/8 inches. From private collections. Click to see a larger image.
Writing for the New York Times, Ken Johnson states of the exhibition:
Beginning each piece on a potter’s wheel, Ohr produced thin-walled vessels that he then subjected to all kinds of manipulations. Crumpling, crimping, folding, dimpling, twisting, squashing and stretching, he fashioned objects that appear organically animated. Those glazed in a wondrous variety of colors, patterns and textures resemble exotic puffballs or tropical sea anemones. Others riff on traditional conventions to playfully absurdist effect, including goblets with mismatched fancy handles. A coconut-shape teapot with a pebbled red glaze, a serpentine spout and a nonfunctional lid fused to its body calls to mind 21st-century works by the ceramic sculptors Ken Price and Ron Nagle. Toward the end of his career, in the early 1900s, Ohr abandoned glazing to emphasize sculptural forms. The 18 sand-colored examples here are classically elegant.
A selection of pieces in the show is presented here in this post, courtesy of the gallery.
Love contemporary ceramic art? Let us know in the comments.
George Ohr, Pitcher, ca. 1897 – 1900, glazed ceramic, 15 1/2 x 8 inches. Private collection.
George Ohr, Vase, ca. 1898 0 1910, bisque ceramic, 4 1/2 x 6 3/8 inches. Private collection.
(Left) George Ohr, Vase, ca. 1898 – 1910, bisque ceramic, 3 5/8 x 5 inches. (Right) Vase, ca. 1897 – 1900, glazed ceramic, 6 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. Private collections.
Works by George Ohr included in “No Two Alike” at the Craig F. Starr Gallery, New York. Photographs courtesy of the gallery.
What a legacy Geaorge Ohr has given to all ceramic artists around this world. He was a master potter!
Recently went to the Ohr Museum in Biloxi. His was certainly the impetus for modern pottery with a “twist”. His pieces must be seen in person. Put it on your bucket list to see at least 5 Ohr pieces in your lifetime.
Thankfully the George Ohr Museum still exists after Hurricane Katrina!
George Ohr is one of the most exciting visual artists of all time. I live in Tasmania so won’t make it to the show but you New Yorkers will have your minds opened up beautifully. Thanks for making this happen. Naomi