Ceramic sculpture painted with graphite powder attached to slate stand.

The role of the martyr has always been necessary for needed change in challenging authoritarian regimes. I grew up in the Philippines during the time of Marcos's martial law rule. And I have met several folks were willing to sacrifice their lives to reach their goals. Unfortunately, almost all martyrs are left with deep scars and in some cases badly tortured and even killed.

My ceramic piece was built from a roughly shaped clay figure and then later textured using a piece of small hard board applied in wild strokes, deep cuts and random pokes - mostly to channel their experiences without much predetermined design. Fortunately, a semblance of a pained face emerged to my own surprise. I also liked the pose of stretching backward to symbolize their resistance despite the hardships they endure.