Art in Disfigured Forms at 1335 Mabini

 

I’ve always been fascinated by different kinds of art forms, most especially with paintings and sculptures and the like, because I never really could make stuff like that (I’m bad with visual arts). I remember my only “art” moment was back in 3rd grade when I made a calamansi painting for our room art contest. I’m not even sure if you can call that “art.” Haha.

So, I’ve visited different art exhibits like those at the National Museum and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. But recently, I went to this place where I unknowingly discovered art that should definitely be seen by avid art exhibit goers: 1335 Mabini.

 

 

 

At 1135 Mabini, there are currently two exhibits up for viewing. There’s Dean Africa and Mitch Garcia’s YOLO (You Only Live Online) and Jayson Oliveria’s Some of Us Have It, Most Of Us Don’t displayed next to each other.

In YOLO, you will be greeted by photos that reflect how the two collaborating artists view the social media phenoma. There is a lot of credence, sarcasm and resignation in each piece. Being a frequent social network user, the exhibition is relatable and the message is clear and understandable. The creativity of the showcase wowed me once more, that such art can be made into something that can actually send a thought-provoking implication into our minds.

 

 

 

 

 

In Some of Us Have It, Most of Us Don’t, Jayson Oliveria makes his viewers experience a condition something close to visual agnosia, a state where, “you can see but cannot recognize or interpret visual information due to a neurological disorder.” This, I can say through my own experience, is successfully delivered by the artist. The weird visuals in front of me that time is something that I’ve never seen before, and it’s kind of confusing trying to figure out the hidden meanings or whatever interpretation I can get from the displays. The paintings feature familiar but unusual figures, but will surely make a mark in your head even after the whole viewing period, like something that’s hard to forget.

Their amusing and beautiful masterpieces will remain at 1335 Mabini until August 8. I suggest you bring your art-loving friends for some bonding time over unusual yet remarkable creations. Who knows? Maybe one of you will even end up liking some of the pieces so much that you end up taking home a painting or two.

 

 

1335 Mabini Contemporary Art Space

 

www.1335mabini.com

1335 A. Mabini St. Ermita, Manila

 

 

Art in Disfigured Forms at 1335 Mabini