“Homage” – Pottery Tradition and Re-creation

CEBU, Philippines - The decision of Filipino-American business school student Hadrian Mendoza to take a pottery course as an elective in college many years back proved to mean more than simply complying with course requirements.

Inspired by the intricacies entailed in the centuries-old craft, he then apprenticed with famed Southern Luzon-based potter Jon Pettyjohn after finishing the course – starting on the path to becoming the prolific ceramic artist that he is today.

Mendoza’s creations are showcased in the exhibit “Homage” – his second solo show in Cebu – at 856 G Gallery along A.S. Fortuna Avenue in Mandaue City. The show features traditional Filipino pottery and ceramics – all noticeably bearing both traditional and contemporary styles.

A reimagined take on the Maitum burial jars (ancient pieces discovered in Maitum, Sarangani Province in Mindanao) is one of the show’s notable entries. It is complemented by a line of sculptures whose aesthetics are a mix of traditional Filipino, modernist and contemporary designs. Handcrafted home accent pieces are also part of the exhibit – top-billed by Earth-toned tea sets, plates and flower vases.

The exhibit runs until the end of August. (FREEMAN)