A new exhibition called “Fresh off the Wheel” opened recently at the Art Positive gallery, where the set of fifteen ceramic artists displayed their mastery of ceramic works in a way that creates a bridge between the functional and sculptural qualities that serves a better purpose of exploring the overall aspects of aesthetics concisely. The works provide unconventional forms, subjective introspection, and new perceptions to the viewers that they often enjoy while scrutinizing the works in a highly critical way. The works offer a wide array of collections that deal with the concerned individuals in a way that their aesthetic appeal ignites a powerful thought that keeps you intact.
To create something unique that has to fulfil a larger purpose by keeping the sense of traditional style away to introduce viewers to a broader vision of elevating the status of creating contemplating works, including the mastery of creation and modern techniques that give birth to whole new prospects of ceramics portrayed not only as the decorative motif but also to bridge its functionality. This exhibition examines the complexities of creating ceramics as a three-dimensional piece. Using clay as a medium is a technique that often focuses on its utility, but how they are done magnificently creates an aura of energy that invites you to delve deeper into it.
The curator Khanjan Dalal shares his views, “When Georgina and I discussed a ceramic show with Anu, the idea was to have a show which bridges between the art and the functional craft, that there are certain forms that are actually from helpful background but still they are reflected as a sculpture. Similarly, some of them are sculptural forms but represent the art. It is like a bridge where artists push their limits to create art or push their boundaries to produce functional ware that is exclusive artistry.
The works are done with different techniques and other types of approaches to making. Ceramics is very processed-based; for instance, we have wood-fired ceramics here, and then we have minimal work done by artists like Devyani. Similarly, Riyaz creates a series of low-relief panels that form functional objects. What is interesting is how an artist conceives a thing as a story, and these stories are not revealed in direct forms but in a way that viewers can interpret in their ways. We want people to have that freedom to look at it.”
Raji Devta, one of the artists, shares her process, “I am a product designer, and I love to play with the design functionality; all of my designs have a function. My work is based on circularity; it is a poem. It goes around the thoughts I got and get away with. For all I know, the path was round. I called it the round with which I go. This all resonated with me when the word circularity came into my head. It could be anything, sleep cycle or other. For me, a deep dish brings a lot of comfort, including any food that serves comfort.”
The gallerist, Anu Bajaj, shares her views. “So, I think the idea came during our brainstorming sessions; Georgina and I discussed the ceramics as they’re not exhibited enough. We felt that we wanted to do something different. We also did ceramic shows previously, but we wanted to try something different this time. She added Khanjan, and then they came up with some interesting concepts. So, the three of us discussed putting ceramics in a way that serves both purposes. The artistry that serves functionality and the functionality that serves the art. We enjoyed or liked the idea of the function. We came up with our top five artists each, and it is like a collaboration in many ways. It’s nice to collaborate, which creates a buzz and excitement.”
Primarily, ceramics serve the daily lifeways of functionality and often present the creators’ vision and approach in those cups, tiles, plates, bowls, etc. For some artists, functionality fills a lot of space, whereas, for some, it creates different dimensions in an aesthetical approach. However, ceramics may be an artistic medium for them, and it acts as a tool for exhibiting their perspectives in various forms using clay as a primary medium. The variety of works and the cerebral effects that they hold are beyond the doubt of creativity and conception.
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