RICHARD QUEBRAL

Inhabitants of the West Piscary

“Inhabitants of the West Piscary” is a solo exhibition that presents the story of fisherfolks living in a tiny village near the coast. The artist being one of the locals in the fishing community exhibits the present-day rituals of those living with spears, paddles, and vessels.

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The artist’s mastery in humoristic, surreal and vintage videogame-inspired rendition showcases barrio-story of resilience, hardwork, and hope as portrayed by the people.

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“Inhabitants of the West Piscary” is a series of portraits—a pictorial representation of people enjoying the bountifulness of the sea. Each piece of work depicts and highlights the values of those struggling with survival. Fisherfolks savor the moments of having substantial catches, enjoying few drinks, taking siesta with their league, smoking cigar and staying up late with friend.

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Richard Quebral’s Exhibit seeks to tell in an imaginative setting the meaning of life. And that is “to have a full life”.

 (Princess Neptalia R. Quebral)

ND HARN

Collecting Faults

The need to possess “objects of desire” is inherent in our human nature. We are driven to collect things for many reasons— to build something, seek happiness and pleasure, find comfort or learn something from. The things we gather not only add subjective meaning and value to our lives but also give clues to what shapes our identity and who we think we are.

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Similarly, we gather and accumulate things within. We are vessels for memories, thoughts and emotions. More often than not, we tend to pile up feelings that consume us over time– fears, frustrations, anxieties and regrets.

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In ND’s fourth solo exhibition, the artist brings to light her unhealthy obsession with “Collecting Faults” that she has amassed over the years. She draws on our collective primal fear of insects and its nature to carve intimate spaces in our own homes to mirror the slow infestation of unwanted or unsettling feelings that make their home in us. 

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The process of repeatedly replicating the insect images parallels her continuous journey in understanding her experiences. Does this repetition help her make peace with her feelings or does it inflict more pain?

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Does the cycle of repeatedly collecting faults alleviate or lead to a further downward spiral? 

(Danna Espinosa)

VERONICA PERALEJO

empty rituals

Empty Rituals is a series of sculptures that I made as a continuation of All You Holy Monks and Hermits from a recently concluded exhibition. These sculptures tackle how we process collective anxiety while we are in isolation during the current pandemic, and how the experience led me to explore my spirituality as a coping mechanism.

The sculpture series are made of concrete cubes with various cavities, originally intended as incense holders. It is an attempt at visualizing the abstract nature of rituals when cleaning spaces, and clearing of minds using smoke, as it goes through the concrete’s spatial cavities, and crevices. I see smoke as an evanescent element gently carving out terrains through time and persistence.