Freedom in the Metaphysical
In Imperial’s “El Sol,” viewers walk into the metaphysical space between reality and illusion
Words Marc Nathaniel Servo
Photo courtesy of Soleil Imperial
December 04, 2025
Intertwining irony, sincerity, and philosophy, emerging metamodern artist Soleil Imperial’s solo art exhibit, “El Sol” urges viewers to internally reflect on the boundaries of reality and illusion.
Held from October 10-11 at the University of the Philippines Diliman, “El Sol” is a captivating ode to creative freedom, with each piece breaking the constraints of realism, and instead moving towards the very limits of imagination.
“I hope to spark curiosity and dialogue about what is true, what is possible, and where imagination can lead us,” Soleil told.
Her works are experimental in nature, inviting viewers to take the time to engage and reflect, instead of having clear, specific interpretations on each piece.
For Soleil, her exhibit is an exploration of the ever-shifting reality—meaning changing according to how you view the world.
Soleil is a proud advocate of metamodern artistry, challenging the cultural narrative by approaching art in a radical fashion—bordering the avant-garde and the sublime. In her works, she flips the expectations put into art exhibits.
“In the physical world, creativity can feel constrained by expectations that art must ‘look like’ something. Thoughts must be logical and ideas be practical,” Soleil explains.
“But in the metaphysical realm, those constraints vanish. It’s a place of dreams and energies; it’s a step into the same imaginative space where my creativity thrives.”
Diving deep into the “ultimate freedom,” as she coins it, Soleil’s exhibit transcends the real and brings viewers to the metaphysical—challenging the audience to question what is real and what is illusion.
The “El Sol” exhibit marks the beginning of many upcoming innovative projects from the emerging metamodern artist. Audiences can expect more avant-garde exhibitions and creative collaborations in the coming months.
