On display now in the May Gallery for Spring 2024 is Deity, showcasing the work of Hadrian Mendoza, a potter and lecturer in CU’s Department of Art. Mendoza is a graduate of Mary Washington College (VA) and studied at the Corcoran School of Art (DC). His work is in the permanent collections of museums in Cambodia, China, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines.

The 19 pieces in this exhibit, created between 2009 and 2023, explore subjects such as the Bulol rice terrace god from the Philippines, balance in sculpture, and functional objects that include vases, tea sets, and sake sets.

“Since discovering the material of clay, I have always been inspired by cultural objects found in the Philippines during precolonial times. I felt that it somehow connected me to my past, and it was a way to channel energy through my work. This exhibition displays a collection of pieces inspired by the Bulol rice terrace god, a cultural icon that originates in the Ifugao region of northern Luzon, Philippines. The idols are carved wooden figures that are believed to protect the Ifugao rice terraces and bring an abundance of crop yield. I have always weaved this theme into my works as they have transformed through the years, in which I have recreated them as my own distinct interpretations. The faces of these pieces evoke a mute voice and stoic gaze, with minimalist gestures and a vibrant aura.”

Come visit and view this collection in person in Mullen Library and learn more about Hadrian Mendoza’s art at https://hadrianmendoza.com/