Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Unconventional and self-described as "the odd man out", ceramist Jag Mehta has artistically infused his non-functional contemporary concepts at his exhibition at the Mutual Gallery and Art Centre in Kingston.

In an exposition that opened on December 7 and runs until January 5, 2007 Mehta has on display, some of the most exotic earthenware and stoneware that were clayed and fired in the wee hours of the morning and on weekends.

Unlike master potter Cecil Baugh, Mehta's work being showcased embraces the chance he is willing to take - imperfections and all - while the essential forms and surfaces of his work make use of the demonstrative and visual potential of clay as prehistoric matter.

Sitting in the midst of the exhibition hall is a simple assemblage in orange and red. "No glaze, no oxide, just plain clay fired at cone nine, which is a longer period, is what this piece is," he said referring to an earthenware bowl that acts as a conversation piece.

Textured surfaces

Mehta deliberately allows the clay to form textured surfaces and the glazes and oxides he uses on some of his pieces do not 'finish' or conceal the clay but interact with the surfaces like natural mineral sediments or rock or earth. His first Jamaican solo exhibition was held in 1979 at the John Peartree Gallery. He has since exhibited at Chelsea Gallery, National Gallery of Jamaica and in Old San Juan Puerto Rico at Galeria San Juan, Museum of Fine Arts and Casa Candina.

His work is included in many private collections including The Hardingham Collection for many years and his work was recently shown in the landmark exhibition 'Clay and Fire, Ceramic Art in Jamaica' at the National Gallery.

Jag Mehta's show was officially opened by friend and art enthusiast Dr. Oswald Harding.