Pepe Mendoza pushed the boundaries of portraiture in his recently-concluded exhibit in Gallery 928 “Grace in Brokenness,” inspired by his personal experience during the pandemic. Having witnessed his wife’s unwavering dedication and selflessness while they both battled Covid-19, Mendoza sought to create a collection that goes beyond conventional portraits of women, delving into their raw power and beauty, transcending mere aesthetics. Pepe Mendoza; 'Serpentine,' 31x27 inches, encapsulated paint on acrylic, undated
Departing from the traditional approach of capturing exact likeness, Mendoza embraces the anti-portrait tradition, prioritizing mood, expressionism, and symbolism. The portraits are imbued with intricate brushwork, rich textures, vibrant colors, meticulously crafted still-life details, adding layers of implication and depth to each subject. Reflecting on his artistic journey, Mendoza shares, “This exhibition reflects every page of my life over the past five years. Each piece I painted in a layered style represents the accumulated emotions of everyday life. Each brushstroke is personal, leaving a lasting impression on the heart and mind. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, the rising and setting of the sun.” 'Ophelia,' 42x30 inches, encapsulated paint on acrylic, undated; 'In Bloom,' 42x30 inches, encapsulated paint on acrylic, undated
Spanning two years of intensive work, this series marks a significant evolution in Mendoza’s artistic style. Layer upon layer of resin is painstakingly applied, creating complexity and meaning within each composition.  “The carved fragments of glass, meticulously joined together to form a whole, serve as a reminder to myself that we cannot let go of the things we go through in life,” Mendoza explains. “We must gather ourselves, stand tall, and face the future head on.” 'Grace in Brokenness 1,' 14 x 9 x 5 12 inches, sculpted, upcycled glass, 2022; 'Grace in Brokenness 4,' 14 x 9 x 5 12 inches, sculpted, upcycled glass, 2022
The curated collection is divided into two acts. The first act, “Grace in Brokenness,” features upcycled glass sculptures transformed into torsos and tangible curves, embodying a focused sensuality. In the second act, the exhibition shifts its focus to the “Fullness of Grace,” within each subject. The portraits adopt a multi-angled and multi-perspective approach, reminiscent of the Cubist movement, merged with surreal-expressionist elements.  “Painting and sculpting in this unfamiliar style are not a transition of my emotions but a rediscovery of myself. It is a challenge I continue to embrace. I will keep carving on every shard I hold dear, loving them for a lifetime, constantly challenging my skills as an artist, manipulating my emotions to bring forth beautiful works,” Mendoza shares.  'Grace in Brokenness 5,' 14 x 9 x 5 12 inches, sculpted, upcycled glass, 2022; 'Grace in Brokenness 8,' 14 x 9 x 5 12 inches, sculpted, upcycled glass, 2022
Peeling back the layers of Mendoza’s artwork is akin to embarking on a journey of discovery, where each composition reveals a restorative narrative. Through his art, Mendoza encourages viewers to embrace and celebrate the diverse and profound essence of women, capturing their strength, resilience, and beauty in every brushstroke. Pepe Mendoza’s “Grace in Brokenness” exhibition serves as a testament to the transformative power of art, as well as a tribute to the women who inspire and shape our world. Indeed, Mendoza’s series offers a fresh perspective on portraiture, reminding us that true beauty transcends the superficial and resides within the depth of the human spirit. *Gallery 928 is at Shangri-la Mall, Shaw Boulevard, 4th Level, Main Wing, Art Plaza, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City*.