Words Amanda Juico Dela Cruz
November 4, 2024

Each artist engages with societal issues—from personal mortality to violence to queer embodiment to environmental concerns—through innovative mediums and narratives. They emphasize the importance of connection, whether through communal experiences, introspective reflections, or ecological relationships. The exhibitions invite viewers to reconsider their perceptions and the impact of shared stories, ultimately fostering empathy and understanding in a complex world. Through varied artistic approaches, they challenge norms and encourage a deeper engagement with the human experience.

“The Carbon Footprint of the Stoic Heroic” by Jose Tence Ruiz at Silverlens

Blending social critique and personal reflection, the centerpiece installation Ang Pila Balde ni Ning, Charie, Charo, Rochit, Rose, Sari, Rosie, Saring, Chayong, atbp., features a baptismal font surrounded by plastic water containers symbolizing a living rosary. The Carbon Footprint of the Stoic Heroic, the work after which the exhibition was titled, portrays a Catholic penitent ablaze on a pyre, a commentary on martyrdom and desensitization to violence. His Mondrian’s Denouement series depict the carnage in Gaza through disturbing imagery. His self-portraits IKeaRUS explore personal mortality amid digital excess, while The Surfer visually encapsulates his ongoing grief for a chaotic world.

“Bodies That Matter” by Gelo Zarsuelo and curated by John Alexis Balaguer at Anima Art Space

Interrogating the intricate interplay between constructed and lived experiences of queer male bodies, the artist challenges the notion of fixed identities by emphasizing the body’s gestures, strengths, and vulnerabilities as fluid expressions shaped by societal norms. Through unconventional materials combined with acrylics and soft pastels, the artist envisions bodies that transcend mere physicality, highlighting moments of both strength and introspection. The works in the exhibition invite viewers to reflect on their own boundaries and the transformative potential of queer embodiment, ultimately posing the question of what it means to inhabit a body that genuinely matters in a very restrictive world.

“Pagtilipon-tipon” by Elmer Borlongan, Plet Bolipata, Charlie Co, Leslie De Chavez, Alfredo Esquillo, Manny Garibay, Renato Habulan, Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Abril Dominic Valdemoro, Akwey Dalusong, Ally Tresvalles, Alynnah Macla, Anna Miguel Cervantes, Anne Lacaba, Beatriz Rogas, Ben Albino, Brandon Braza, Chad Montero, Delmo, Dyan Corachea, Efren Nantes, Faye Abantao, Frelan Gonzaga, Guenivere Decena, Guerrero Habulan, Jael Mendoza, Jan Llegue, Jayme Lucas, Jelly Jimenez, Jessa Balag, JM Valenciano, Joen Sudlon, Jomar Galutera, Lymuel Bautista, Marko Sarmiento, Margaux Blas, Mark Laza, Orland Espinosa, Proceso Seguismar Gelladuga II, R.A. Tijing, Renz Baluyot, Taj Hassan Tadeo, Tyrone Espinosa, and William Matawaran, and curated by Leslie De Chavez at Orange Project in collaboration with Agos Studio, Eskinita Art Farm, Linangan Art Residency, Pasilyo Press, Project Space Pilipinas, and Tungtung Alon Foundation

The pivotal exhibition titled Pagtilipon-tipon, or translated as “gathering,” highlights the vital connections that bring communities together through shared events. This notion elevates ordinary experiences into extraordinary encounters, which foster a space not only for convergence but for divergence, too. It reflects on the significance of narrative in human life, transforming gatherings into opportunities for discovery within art, community and the self. Through workshops and discussions, artists reclaim their power as much as their cultural responsibilities, exploring freedom and agency. The opening performance by Hayuma Performing Arts Studio reinforces the exhibition's message: that shared stories cultivate empathy and deepen connections.

“Square” by Ricky Francisco at Galerie Stephanie

The artist explores the symbolism of squares and rectangles, reflecting on their resonance during a time of prolonged lockdown. While local abstract artists independently depict these forms, he rationalizes their appeal as symbols of stability in a volatile world. Squares evoke familiarity, serving as metaphors for both public gathering spaces and personal confinement. For the artist, this exhibition represents a process of unburdening and paring down, mirroring the introspection prompted by isolation. His diverse styles encapsulate influences and emotions, inviting viewers to engage in their own reflections while celebrating the essence of creation and connection.

“bioSignals” by Philippine team composed of Diego Maranan, Jerome Suplemento, Biancaflor Arada, Shari Eunice San Pablo, Gino Javier, and Peter Steyaert at NO

bioSignals is a cultural exchange linking New Zealand, the Philippines, and the UK through real-time signals from local plants. By converting electro-botanical data into immersive installations, it explores interspecies communication and our connection to nature, highlighting our role within a larger ecosystem. Through three interconnected approaches, the project fosters a dialogue about resilience against environmental challenges. The Philippines team emphasizes kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) as a symbol of adaptability and survival amidst climate impacts. The exhibition showcases this plant’s cultural significance and resilience, transforming its biological processes into a narrative that transcends boundaries, reminding us that resilience is a dynamic journey.

“Miragen” by Alvin Zafra at Artinformal

The artist returns as a nightcrawler, presenting a new collection of evening vignettes where darkness deepens. Yet light persists, manifesting in soft whispers and subtle gestures, sometimes flaring in brief moments. These scenes emerge as mirages, possibly reflecting his impaired vision. In the night, structures and landscapes lose their definition, prompting him to embrace his doble vista: his eyeglasses and camera. He recaptures images with familiar tools like pebbles and sandpaper. The resulting visuals depict recognizable urban spaces, inviting viewers to look again, urging them to reconsider their perceptions of familiarity and the essence of what they see.