Cover Jon Pettyjohn Steps
Jon Pettyjohn Steps
1 / 1
Two renowned artists explore the meaning of reality and clay
What do you think when you view your immediate surroundings? Are they simply backgrounds for your experiences? Or do they mean something more? This is what contemporary artist Nona Garcia ponders.
What about ceramics? Is it a hobbyist’s pleasure? Or a path to non-verbal communication between artist and viewer? With every subtle touch and change in the potter’s state of mind comes immortalisation in the form of minute grooves.
Answer these questions for yourself with Nona Garcia and Jon Pettyjohn’s latest exhibitions at the Silverlens Gallery from June 8 to July 1.
More from Tatler: Explore the world of ‘Space/Place’ in an exhibition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines
Overland
Above Nona Garcia, untitled work, 2023
Nona Garcia, untitled work, 2023
1 / 1
With an art practice that spans two decades, Nona Garcia examines the essence of things—investigating the contrast between the transparent and concealed, the framed and natural, the sublime and the everyday. For her latest solo exhibition, Garcia combines subject, style, and concept to bring images that place viewers in the obscure yet colossal aspirations of the real.
Garcia’s journey across virtual landscapes comes from a specific place—one of great importance to her—Baguio. In Overland, she depicts the visible world with abstractions of objects, relics, and phenomena. Some might find it odd, ordinary or bizarre, but one thing rings true. Nothing is inconsequential. What you see is a memorialisation of the land that seeks its beauty.
In case you missed it: All eyes are on Pandy Aviado, a celebrated figure in fine printmaking
Steps
Above Jon Pettyjohn, Crater, 2023
Jon Pettyjohn, Crater, 2023
1 / 1
Jon Pettyjohn, along with his wife, Tessy, is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary Philippine ceramics. For his third solo exhibition with Silverlens, the artist advances his pursuit of personal expression through a craft he has dedicated himself for almost 50 years.
Pettyjohn brings a new series of thrown, wall-mounted platters, embracing the symmetry of the potter’s wheel without limiting himself to functional works. These perfectly circular pieces are covered in a diverse array of glazes and textures to create effects that embody a spectrum—the uncertain reactions of raw materials to intense conditions of the high-fire process. Each distinct interior of each piece reflects the unpredictability of each day. Between the cycles of perfection and imperfection, symmetry and distortion, lies the artist’s experience over the last few years.
NOW READ
A look into Kristoffer del Villar’s “The World is My Oyster” celebration
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Virtual Museum: unbreakable immersion at home
Credits
Images: Silverlens Gallery
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
