(April 15, 2023 - November 13, 2023)

Philadelphia artist María Albornoz creates functional ceramic ware that depict memories of her childhood in Venezuela. She describes the work as a means “to reconcile the impressions of her memory by recreating forms, textures, and ideas that have touched her.” The objects illustrate exteriors and interiors of “tranquil domestic spaces reminiscent of her grandmother’s home.” Albornoz’s work is a look into her life experiences from living in Venezuela and now, residing in the United States. 

Albornoz has crafted distinctive work noted for its highly detailed surface decoration. After building the clay vessels, she draws incised outlines onto the forms and the imagery is then hand painted using underglaze—a technique that is applied before the final glazing process. For Albornoz, “the act of making labor-intensive pottery is a form of meditation.” The time spent building, drawing, painting, and firing the clay, is a way to process memories past and present while surrounding herself with, what she describes, as “safe spaces.”

The familiarity of the domestic scenes enables viewers to potentially see their own histories in the work. The interiors might be like your family home, the streets lined with row homes could be your block, or someone that you know lives there. The recognizability of the homes provide a sense of comfort and belongingness whether it’s through Albornoz’s shared memories or one’s own.

Visit mariaalbornoz.com