Correction & Clarification

In the article titled 'Basil Watson's Terracotta Speaks in tongues', it was stated that Mr Basil Watson (Jr) had received the Order of Jamaica.

In fact, it is Mr Watson's father, Professor Basil Barrington Watson, who was awarded the Order of Jamaica and Commander of the Order of Distinction.

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Ruth Howard, Staff Reporter

'Terracotta', an exhibition which wrapped up at HiQo Art Gallery on Waterloo Road in St Andrew last week, took an unconventional, no-holds-barred exploration of the female anatomy in great depth and detail. Watson leaves nothing to the imagination - literally.

Capturing naked women in various poses - sitting, bending, kneeling, laying down, or even with their legs open wide - this risque collection takes an unconventional look at the feminine mystique, unravelling the mystery of woman: unshackled, untethered and totally free.

The theme of liberty runs through Watson's 'Terracotta' pieces, even as he explores a liberation movement all his own.

"It's about acceptance of what woman is," the sculptor explained, adding that this includes woman's sexuality. "There is no sin or shame in it. It's not Eve who has bitten the apple and is banished from the garden. It's woman, who's not afraid to be who she is."

And so, in defiance of conservative convention, Watson unmuzzles his sculpted women, using his art to give them a voice. One look at the expressions on their faces will confirm that these pieces have spoken, are speaking, and will continue to speak - in tongues - and will also certainly set tongues wagging.

Terracotta, an Italian word meaning 'baked earth', is a type of fired clay used in the creation of ceramics, statuettes, or sometimes in architecture. The name of the exhibit, therefore, is based on the material used to create the sculptures, which the exhibit's brochure explained were "modelled in clay and fired to bisque earthenware".

An interesting accompaniment for the sculpted pieces are "delicate pen-and-ink drawings on rice paper", which also depict naked women in various poses.

Watson explained that some of the pieces were done from as early as 2011 and 2012, even as he worked on other art projects. 'Terracotta' is the first chapter of a series of exhibits which will feature different aspects of Watson's artistic vision and repertoire. The second chapter will be called 'Bronze'.

ruth.howard@gleanerjm.com