Picture book inspires exhibit

As a mom, Mirror broke my heart as it dawned on me that my little one will face the same painful existential crisis I went through back in college as I chased who I am

Publishing and curatorial platform Comma and independent bookstore Kwago invited artists Maxine Syjuco, Issay Rodriguez, Nikki Ocean, Erick Calilan, Jem Magbanua, Sasa Cabalquinto and Ralph Eya for an exhibit and performance that meditates on the ongoing literary exhibition A

Curated Shelf by Ani Almario on 25 August, 5 p.m. at Kwago book bar.

A show looking into a child’s complex psychological growth,

Salamin responds to one of the most controversial contemporary picture books: Mirror by Suzy Lee. In this book, a little girl interacts with a mirror and her reflection in it. The author takes the young protagonist, as well as the readers on a mental trip: self-awareness, loneliness, joy, ecstasy, confusion and anger.

“When I read the book, I felt the lightness and weight of becoming a person. The exhibit is an intricate dance between failing and becoming,”

Salamin co-curator Roy Voragen said. With an aim to address a wide range of questions on the relevance and scope of publishing, A Curated

Shelf is a space for critical and playful conversations about publications and publishing as a discursive practice. For every curated shelf, founders Czyka Tumaliuan and Roy Voragen sets up a corollary event that ruminates on the selection and opens up needed conversations about reading, writing and publishing.

“The show hopes to open conversations on the dark and implicit. As a mom, Mirror broke my heart as it dawned on me that my little one will face the same painful existential crisis I went through back in college as I chased who I am. What happens when her mirror breaks and my fragile one discovers that there’s nothing to find nor discover? In the exhibit, together with my co-curator and seven artists, we confront this burden of meaning and embrace the beauty in not knowing,” Salamin co-curator Czyka Tumaliuan mentioned.

Salamin exhibit has a door fee, “pay what you want.” Free unlimited ice cream will be offered to attendees who sign up at bit.ly/

rsvpsalamin, Facebook event page: bit.ly/salaminnimalas.