When I think of terracotta sculptures of women, I am always struck by the works of Ms. Julie Lluch—their heightened tactile details and dramatically intense forms. It is uncommon to see terracotta sculptures in contemporary ceramic exhibitions at galleries in the Philippines; more often, terracotta artifacts such as burial jars and traditional pots are displayed in museums. So when I first encountered Aquilizan’s terracotta pieces at the 2022 “Virtual Hugs” exhibit, I was surprised. Aquilizan’s works at that time reminded me of the emotional response I had upon seeing Ms. Lluch’s Doxology at the National Museum of the Philippines. Although these works differ significantly in aesthetic style, both rely on carefully manipulating forms and the positioning of the subject’s body to convey the pain and suffering of a woman.