MO_Space X: Counterfeit Monochromes
“What you see is what you get” was the edict for Minimalism. It favored opacity in order to reject the interiority mined by all that might be ineffable or profound in the movement it succeeded, Abstract Expressionism. As far as formalism goes, “it is what it is.” Nothing beneath the surface held in such esteem; you don’t dare scratch it.
Horror vacui—the fear of space—has been the precept most identified as the hallmark of Philippine aesthetic. Not a square inch left unadorned, channeling the ornate embellishment of the heavily embroidered vestments of the Sto. Niño and the boldly colored feathers of the Sarimanok, a style fully embodied in commuter jeeps and fully embraced by jeepney art.
Counterfeit Monochromes is a group exhibition of works that subvert these two formal opposites with the deliberate poker face of the surface as the medium for what might be a riot of meanings. The discipline and the austerity of line, shape, and form are hijacked by what underneath might be curdling, menacing, mourning, or celebrating. Expressionism in Minimalism’s clothing.
Conceived ten years ago by New York-based art professional Carina Evangelista around the time of the founding of MO_Space in 2007, this exhibition is itself a retrospective sampling of the strong conceptual practice she was happy to have been introduced to by Roberto Chabet at the time—a conceptual idiom explored by many artists, which has become the abiding impetus for her to return regularly in continuing the dialogue with Filipino artists.
Counterfeit Monochromes is part of MO_Space X, a series of shows that celebrates the gallery’s ten years of activities since its opening in 2007. Counterfeit Monochromes is now open at MO_Space on 16 December, Saturday and will run until 14 January 2018. The gallery is open daily, from 11 am to 8 pm. For any inquiries, please contact us by telephone at 02-856-7915, by mobile at 0917-572-7970, or by email at mospaceph@gmail.com. To learn more, visit our website at www.mo-space.net.
Details:
What: MO_Space X: Counterfeit Monochromes
When: December 16, 2017 – January 14, 2018
Where: 3/F, MOs Design Building, Bonifacio High Street 9th Avenue, Taguig
Tickets: Admission is FREE
