All-sensory delight

Last 20 November at JJ Acuna/ Bespoke Studio in Comuna, Makati City, Jose Solon Perfecto opened his third solo exhibition, Perfecto Deli: A Deli for the Senses. The event curated by notable and esteemed interior designer Ram Bucoy, started with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by the artists patrons: philanthropist and champion golfer May Neri, Ballet Philippines board member Sheree Chua, and Bahay Turo founder Patricia Cusi Ramos.

The Perfecto Deli exhibit curation aligns with the hermitage concept of the artist, embodied in a tablescape of moss and forest elements that surround the ceramic sculptures resembling dwarves.

Perfecto’s sculptures have tall, pointy hats, volatile glazed movements on the body, and slip brushstrokes that portray the nature and rural surroundings of his studio. Known for creating Terroir Ceramics, the stoneware blend of his sculptures features aged and fermented wild clay that Perfecto sourced around the foothills, river beds, and rice fields in La Union.

“My concept for this exhibition was to draw the parallelism between natural processes in ancient kitchens making ales, wines, breads, cheese, and meats, and how I continue to move forward my techniques in what I’ve coined as Terroir Ceramics,” he said. “I liken the (concept of a) deli to the hermitage of a wizard, whom knights seek out before their quests, to bring good fortune, to find clarity, and to get closer to truth with magical items that light the way on roads riddled with darkness and mischief. Using my artist persona of the Hermit, I forged these objects with the blessings of the spirits from, which the wild clays and ashes come from — to make amulets and talismans, that like wines and cigars, can offer a different sensory experience and taste each time you partake.”

Perfecto Deli: A Deli For The Senses is at JJ Acuna / Bespoke Studio, 2F Comuna Bldg. A, 238 P. Ocampo Ext., Makati City. Viewings are by appointment between Wednesdays and Saturdays. Contact @perfectodeli on Instagram or SMS +63.961.951.0023. A digital catalogue is available on www.solonperfecto.com/deli.

Closing Party is on 14 December, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.