George Ohr- The Best American Abstract Expressionist
If you were to ask any art historian, “who was the greatest American abstract expressionist artist of the 20th century?”, most likely you will get a response in the form of a painter- either Jackson Pollock, Rothko, Lee Krasner, de Kooning or Helen Frankenthaler will come to mind (it’s important to note that most of the American abstract expressionists were not born in America but later became American citizens).
Well, I must say, while I enjoy the work of the artists listed above, a potter from Mississippi is actually the greatest American Abstract Expressionist.
George E. Ohr self proclaimed “Mad Potter”
Before we get into his forms, I want to clarify that the process of glazing and firing ceramic works is abstract in itself. While you can get an idea of how a glaze will look after the firing process, nothing is guaranteed, especially when you mix/layer glazes.
George E. Ohr, Vase, circa 1897-1900.
Much of Ohr’s definitive work came after a studio fire in 1894. The fire destroyed most of his work, but George being the eccentric artist he was, kept some of the burnt ceramic works to display. After the fire, I guess we can say George was ‘liberated’ in a sense and his work became like nothing anyone has seen (or accepted) before in regard to ceramics. While most potters were trying to create identical sets of cups and bowls, Ohr was focused on making unique forms with no two alike.
George Ohr, Petticoat Vase, circa 1898-1900.
Given his geographical location, the art being produced at the time and the medium (ceramics/earthen ware), Ohr was extremely ahead. While Expressionism and some abstraction was booming in Europe- America, especially the South, didn’t have much going on. The famous ‘Armory Show’ that changed the course of American art didn’t happen until 1913.
George Ohr, Vase, Circa 1890s.
Pottery has always been over looked in art history. Even Plato had a critique on pottery and decorative ceramics in Ancient Greece.
Taking something that is supposed to be utilitarian and abstracting it makes for an enlightened quality of life.
V.N
