Deconstructing the human element
ONE deviates from human figures forming from abstraction, while the other charges into its image and very essence at all angles. In the latest exhibition lineup of Art Elaan (www. artelaan.com), Cezar Arro’s brand of expressionism gives life to a new set of creatures. Opposite his oneman presentation is a group show comprised of six artists that explore what makes us human.
Arro’s solo, titled Chimerical, and the group exhibit, titled Cogito, ergo sum, featuring Clark Manalo, Gerry Joquico, Dennis Capellan, Martin Ampuan, Jaime Gubaton and Edwin Ladrillo, will open this Friday, February 3. Both exhibitions will be on view at the gallery’s Ayala Malls Manila Bay space in Parañaque City until February 23.
Arro is an Ilonggo modern realistic visual artist whose career spans over 20 years. Unceasing motion defines his vibrant art, where from the swirling and twirling of colors appears a recognizable image. There was a point when it was usually pop culture icons, from Marilyn Monroe to Madonna.
In his ongoing presentation, Arro moves to the highly fanciful. He submits to the whimsical as we no longer see a human face. In its place is a hodgepodge of creatures, each finding their way through the jungle of Arro’s gestural strokes. This captivating madness goes full bloom in Garden Veil Fanciful.
While Arro’s Chimerical steers clear of humans, Cogito, ergo sum tackles the concept of humanness. What, if anything, makes us who we are?
For instance, social realist Clark Manalo captures the daily grind of his compatriots in Navotas. His works further accentuate their struggles through distortions: body parts geometrically sliced and scenes segmented. Often retained, however, are the subjects’ piercing gaze, signifying resilience, which also serves as Manalo’s salute to their indomitable spirit.
It’s the human character that shines as well in Gerry Joquico’s piece, albeit in a non-human form. Firmly seated on a barber’s chair in Kwentong Barbero Serye Cuatro is a dog, a common subject of the figurative artist, alongside people.
Meanwhile, Dennis Capellan’s more anthropomorphic subjects likewise embody the human element. This is shown in one of his sketches inspired by classical portraiture, titled Shelter, where the character clad in a period dress clutches a duckling in both hands, its head an open structure that houses a filled-up vase.
With more straightforward figurative depictions of people are Martin Ampuan, Jaime Gubaton and Edwin Ladrillo. There’s a sense of textured longing in Ampuan’s pieces, while Gubaton offers a hyperrealistic portrait of woman, often modeled by his wife and daughter. The subject’s mouth appears covered by a crumpled reflection. Then, Ladrillo whips up his dramatic scenes and engaging play on light.
For more details on the shows, follow Art Elaan on Facebook and Instagram, or contact via (027) 728-6577, info@artelaan.com or