Reynold Dela Cruz traces his roots in his latest exhibition.

Words and Photos Museo ng Muntinlupa
May 31, 2024

In KO-MIX, Reynold Dela Cruz muses on the reflections of the self: “Ko,” which directly translates as “me” in English, refers both to the self as the artist and the Filipino sense of identity.

“Ang serye ng mga piyesa sa exhibit na ito ay pagpapatuloy ng nakaraang solo show ko kung saan naging inspirasyon ko ang pop art na gawa ng mga kilalang artists sa ibang bansa. Dahil dito, nagkaroon ako ng mas malawak pang kaalaman at mas magaganda pang mga ideya sa mga bago kong ginagawa.” (The story of the pieces in this exhibit is a continuation of my past solo show where I drew inspiration from pop art created by renowned artists from other countries. Because of this, I gained a wider understanding and more prolific ideas for my new works.)

This oil on canvas collection started as an ode to Dela Cruz’s origins in the riles of Muntinlupa—a crossing of many things, people, and places. Along the route during the 80s, Dela Cruz’s mother used to sell komiks or Pinoy comic books.

“Kaya naisip kong pagsamahin at paghaluin sa isang konsepto ang mga naiisip kong ideya na ito. Parang crossing ba. Isa sa mga nagbibigay ng nakakatuwa at masayang idea at inspirasyon sa akin ay ang mga title cover ng komiks sa Pilipinas gaya ng ALIWAN, WAKASAN, HIWAGA, ESPESYAL, FUNNY, HAPPY, Pilipino Komiks atbp. Naglalarawan sila ng buhay ng mga Pilipino noon at ngayon.” (This is why I decided to blend and mix in one concept all the ideas I have thought of. It’s just like a crossroad. One of the things that have brought amusing and joyful ideas and inspirations to me are the title covers of the komiks in the Philippines like ALIWAN, WAKASAN, HIWAGA, ESPESYAL, FUNNY, HAPPY, Pilipino Komiks, etc. These describe the life of the Filipinos before and today.)

In KO-MIX, the medium of the comic book becomes both the subject and the vessel of reflection and introspection. It is both a reflective mirror held up to see ourselves, and a see-through glass as a window to see the world. The frames of the comics, like railroad crossings, limit and divide us. Strangely enough, they also bridge us and allow us to meet.

The City Government of Muntinlupa and the Museo ng Muntinlupa chose to highlight a homegrown talent such as Dela Cruz. For the artist, it is an honor to be able to look back at his humble beginnings and exhibit his works in the city where it all started.

View KO-MIX at the 3rd floor, Changing Exhibition Room of the Museo ng Muntinlupa from May 30 to July 29, 2024. Museo ng Muntinlupa is located at Centennial Avenue, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City. For more information on the exhibition, follow @museomuntinlupa on Instagram. For more information on the artist, follow Reynold.y.delacruz on Facebook.