The figures stand silent in stances that speak louder than words. A modest army of men, each intent in his own soundless inflection. If one could only understand with a certainty the unspoken singularity, unravel the riddle of each torso and the distinctly overt ownership of space and garb!

These are not the Terracotta Warriors of China - that particular army ran in the hundreds and had its very own intent clearly defined - it was war and all its industry in a time and age when men were men who defied themselves to stay strong. No questions asked. No indeed, this is a modest army of just 19 terracotta works, representing quizzical characters grouped together on the occasion of An Accidental Find - ceramist Paul Scerri's current show of works in Valletta. They may not be Chinese soldiers but each china alias terracotta "man" is depicting one of the artist's very own and personal battles within.

For those familiar with this ceramist's works, these figures do not come as a novelty. Over the years, I have become accustomed to the very clearly pronounced style of Scerri's artistic work. As an unabashed self-critic, he lays his soul bare through these figures and seems to get a kick out of the guessing which takes shape on each onlooker's face. Mine is a case in point - I am curious, but should I understand or should I simply appreciate the beautiful work, the delicate lustres, the very sublime hues (calling them colours would be offensive) of certain coats and accessories carried by the "men".

With each figure requiring up to five firings to reach this level of finesse, I am tempted to stretch out a hand and touch the smooth finishes but compel myself to not (touch). But nothing can stop me from looking, walking around each figure, poking my nose in and asking questions. Many of which go unanswered. And some answers I cannot write about, just because I want to leave you guessing.

Would one need to be a philosopher to understand what the curious characters created by Scerri are representing? Perhaps and perhaps not. They most certainly do allow space for conjectures, fantasies and misrepresentations. If one did not know the artist well enough, what would one make of Breeding for the Future? Is it an attack on bird breeders, on hunting, on education, or simply a tongue-in-cheek way of stating the future (the artist's or society's) looks pretty grim? Or is Scerri breeding crows in his backyard? And what about the title? An Accidental Find may seem just like any other catchphrase but it is very obviously not.

Take a look at Grey Cloud. Isn't it somewhat representative of us all, of our grey clouds, which we must, of necessity, carry around with us because grey clouds are part of life? The artist does not seem to have included a silver lining. And take a look at The Dreaded Coat, the capo dei capi of the collection, standing in a full persona, wearing a hospital robe. It is not white, nor even purple. It is of a beautiful shimmering warmth that envelopes the figure leaving just the untanned hinterland exposed. And the personified artist is unhappily adapting to this demeaning outfit while keeping on his very own gold crown of meek rabbit ears. So much prose, so much cuteness in the pose and so much for posterity.

If this little short review titillates your curiosity, make time to visit and see for yourself. Walk into these galleries and observe, read between the lines but ask no questions, except to yourself. I have, walked, observed and questioned, and at some point, reflected on the concept of accidental finds that changed my life most distinctly. Try it.

'An Accidental Find' is currently showing at INIALA5 Galleries located at 37, Old Treasury Street, Valletta. Exhibition closes on 16 December.