Twisted, folded and brilliantly glazed, the sensational ceramics of George Ohr look surprisingly modern despite having been made more than a century ago.

George Ohr Rising: The Emergence of an American Master — running May 15 to August 23, 2009 at the Gardiner Museum — showcases the work of one of the most flamboyant and eccentric pioneers of the studio ceramics movement in the United States. Known as the Mad Potter of Biloxi, Ohr’s pottery stands out for its sculptural forms, bold colours and sense of humour.

Largely unappreciated in his own lifetime, Ohr was “rediscovered” in the late 1960s when an antique dealer came across a large cache of his work that had been stored in his former studio. Collectors and curators now prize Ohr’s work, acknowledged today as one of the earliest truly modern artists in American history, and he has become an inspiration to many contemporary ceramic artists.

According to the Gardiner Museum’s Executive Director Alexandra Montgomery, “Ohr created over 10,000 pots and boasted that no two were alike. His personal magnetism and highly individualistic approach to ceramics will capture the imagination of anyone interested in early 20th century design.”

Organized by the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum in Biloxi, Mississippi, the Gardiner Museum is the only Canadian venue for this travelling exhibition.

The third exhibition of the Gardiner Museum’s 25th anniversary year, George Ohr Rising will be the focus of a lecture by Ohr expert Ellen Bortle on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm. Bortle will provide a more detailed overview of Ohr’s life and contextualize his place within the broader art world of his time.

For high-resolution images, please visit our Media Room