Space Encounters Gallery Showcases Back-to-Back Solo Exhibits This September
Space Encounters Gallery unveils two back-to-back solo exhibits by artists Itsy Macasaet-Dazo and Jem Magbanua as they present glimpses of their works’ transformative process from September 26 to October 18, 2019.
Cycles by Itsy Macasaet-Dazo
For her second solo show titled Cycles, Macasaet-Dazo created a series of seemingly macabre subjects interlaced with colorful, dainty flora.
This confluence may sound jarring, but the execution is so effective that it renders her works as if they are visual fairytales.
She derives inspiration from specific experiences, influenced by Asian and Scandinavian folk art, as well as botanical prints. In Cycles, she reflects on the concepts of mortality, malady, and redemption.
“For this particular series, I looked back on a few cremation ceremonies that affected me deeply,” she shared. “In the process of coming to terms with the experiences, I was reminded once again that life will always be beautiful.”
The paradox of life and death—and their perpetual cycle—is examined in each of Macasaet-Dazo’s mesmerizing works.
Also read: 10 Must-Visit Contemporary Art Spaces in the Philippines
A Topology of Everyday Constellations by Jem Magbanua
An extension of her first solo show, A Topology of Everyday Constellations is a study on time, temporality, and transformation as Magbanua juxtaposes images of domestic life with natural and urban vignettes.
Magbanua successfully freezes moments in her canvas with the viewer, as if by chance would stumble upon these frozen visions so intriguing, there would be no other choice but to linger.
“In pursuit of exploring space and how to depict it, I looked to the way furniture and architecture serve as representations of people and states of mind,” she described.
In Topology, the artist shares with the viewers her fascination with chairs, a piece of furniture that “has a long history in fine art—being the subject of scrutiny for painters like Vincent Van Gogh all the way to David Hockney,” she added.
For these two shows, Space Encounters Gallery partnered with Lamana PH to showcase wooden furniture pieces from Japanese brand Ishinomaki Laboratory, turning the place into a homey respite of muted-colored walls that complement the artworks on show.
Also read: Space Encounters Gallery Opens Two New Exhibits This April 24
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays by appointment.
Details
What: Space Encounters Gallery’s back-to-back solo exhibit featuring Itsy Macasaet-Dazo and Jem Magbanua
Where: Space Encounters Gallery, Unit 7D, 7/F Padilla Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
When: September 26 to October 18 at 6 p.m.
Contact: 0917-795-6739
Website: gallery.spaceencounters.net
Email: spacegallery.info@gmail.com
Facebook: Space Encounters Gallery
This is a press release. Edits were made prior to publishing
Images courtesy of Space Encounters