‘Parallel Metaphors’ show opens at Art Gallery Asia
Metaphors, as a literary device, are indirect comparisons. Their usage enables a visualization of words. In the case of six young contemporary artists, however, metaphor becomes a descriptive of their appropriation of a perceived reality, and what they ultimately put on canvas. As a group, these metaphors run parallel to each other to the extent of a shared vision that is nonetheless dedicated to each artist’s respective concepts, techniques, and ideas. These artists, all of whom are in their early 20s, examine, repurpose, and dispel contemporary tropes through practices that not only surveys Philippine contemporary art, but gives an overall assessment of today’s youth culture. Through their disparate backgrounds and histories, these artists stand in stark contrast of the stodgy conservatism of the country’s art scene. Identifying themselves as Gen Y artists, the group increasingly finds their respective practices more attuned to the today’s constantly shifting media landscape than the staid traditions of their forbearers.
The recklessness of youth runs in the veins of these artists: Kevin Balboa, Lino Jamisola, Darrel Lagasca, Charmaigne Mendoza, Den Chua, and JR Atienza. Each of these artists insist that their respective practices “stands alone,” and that there is no common theme beyond a shared friendship and the fact that they all seem to “jive.” This insistence on individuality is unusual among artist groups, many whom have a common strand or philosophical grounding. But whatever the claim, it is clear that these artists share a similar aesthetic direction--undoubtedly because they are all of similar age.
It is this group of young artists that Art Gallery Asia will be featuring in a fantastic group show called “Parallel Metaphors.” Opening today and running until March 31 at Art Gallery Asia’s Pasong Tamo location, the exhibition is an exhilarating survey of young up-and-coming artists and their fresh approach to art.
The group in question is in an exciting state of flux and development. They meet sporadically and communicate through Facebook. The group’s artistic process is one of little interference in each other’s direction, but it’s also made clear that discipline and organization is a key reason why their dynamic works One of the artists — Lino Jamisola — describes the group’s approach to art as almost “escapist.” Societal issues are transposed through the lens of popular culture before finally making their way onto their canvases. Japanese popular culture is pervasive in the group’s oeuvre, with the conceptual and aesthetic appeal of anime and manga a particularly powerful influence.
What is increasingly apparent, however, is that the quality of their works is consistently high. Drafting is excellent, and there is a mastery of medium. All the artists have had classical fine arts education, either from the University of the Philippines, the University of Santo Tomas, or the Technological University of the Philippines. They also have a similar adherence to narrative, bringing a storyteller’s approach to their practice. But they chafe when the idea of a mentor is mentioned. The group zealously safeguards their individuality, and think that having someone older might impinge on their practices. The group finds ways to retain their individuality while taking the best parts of their group dynamics.
Parallel Metaphors opens today at Art Gallery Asia, located at the 3rd Level Patriarch Building, 2224 Pasong Tamo corner Don Bosco Street, Makati City. For more information, please call (0917) 8943888.