(SPOT.ph) Potters aren't as common in the Philippines as we want them to be. In fact, we found out from Sierra Madre Gallery owner and potter Joey de Castro that their community is so small that, more often than not, anyone knows everyone. Hoping to introduce this art form to more people, Hey Kessy Pottery Studio and Hidden Space are holding a group exhibit titled Make or Break: A Ceramics Group Show, featuring 18 female artists from different genres. They got their hands dirty, quite literally, during a pottery-making workshop and a painting session of ceramics. The products of this collaboration are on display at Hidden Space in Cubao Expo, Quezon City from August 30 to September 15.
Artists include Allie Principe, Veronica Cosio, Anina Rubio, Gigie Bear, Kuki Ulpindo, Kara Gonzales, Wiji Lacsamana, Donsuki, Katarina Estrada, Tyang Karyel, Kookoo Ramos, Iya Regalario, Jade Suayan, Jenn Ban, Soleil Ignacio, Randomrom, Tin Espinas, and Mansy Abesamis. The participants come from different backgrounds—there's a muralist, a street artist, a crafter, an illustrator, a tattoo artist, and more. They were all invited by Abesamis to spend a day in her pottery studio, and "fully appreciate the process and why it was important to save the art form," she tells SPOT.ph. At the end of the workshop, the participating artists were given two circular plates, which they can paint on according to their own style. "When you see the plates, you could really see different aesthetics and sensibilities," Abesamis adds.
The title, Make or Break, is inspired by the fact that pots can either be formed or broken, depending on the firing process. Fire is also significant in forming and breaking communities. Tribes, back in the day, would gather around a fire and share stories and food among their people. This sense of community is what Make or Break hopes to create, which is also why the plates painted on by the artists are circular in shape.
Make or Break opens on August 30, 6 p.m. at HiddenSpace.co, 2/F Unit 33 Cubao Expo, General Romulo Street, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. It runs until September 15. For more information, follow Hey Kessy on Facebook.
