Modeka Gallery and Omnibus MNL gather visual artists, photographers, and designers for one artistic pilgrim
Aside from being our second year in the pandemic, 2021 is a momentous year for the Philippines as it marks the 500th anniversary of the coming of the Christian faith on our shores. Numerous events were held all over the archipelago to celebrate this unique milestone. Capping it is an artful display curated by Omnibus MNL happening at Modeka Gallery’s space in Makati City.
Dubbed “Transmitting: Thoughts and Prayers,” the exhibit compiles the works of 32 creatives composed of artists, photographers, and designers, reflecting their views and vision of “the Philippines’ most lasting colonial heritage to express faith, doubt, indifference, and humor.” A pilgrim-like experience, the exhibit is staged in a form mimicking the Stations of the Cross, a Catholic tradition commemorating the life of Jesus Christ. But Instead of depicting the traditional 14-steps, the exhibition’s stations express the participants' perspective on spirituality and religion, conveyed through cross-pollination of media and techniques.
“The first station initiates the viewer to a baptismal ritual, leading to a wall of paintings that explore institutional and social critique. In the main hall, glass bibles introduce a triumvirate of biblical characters asserting their import, concluded by a grotto/altar that invites personal reflection,” Omnibus MNL says. “A procession of skulls positioned along the stairs guides the viewer to an improvised shrine to virginity, next to a black room that features documentation of faith and fandom. In the same space, soft sculptures beside an image of a female nude dismantle sexual taboos. All the while, viewers will find fragile figurines randomly positioned around the gallery, to serve as reminders of the doubts that weave in and out of our spiritual consciousness.”
Closing the experience is a Santo Niño circus, presenting artful reimaginations of the iconic image of the young Messiah that “speaks to our emancipation from colonial impositions, and our right to self-determination in the spiritual realm.”
Creatives featured in the exhibit includes 1111, Agnes Arellano, Bud Omeng, Dan Raralio, Dex Fernandez, Ding Gerrous, E.L.S, Chen, Gabe Naguiat, Gail Vicente, Ged Merino, GI Pongase, Gio Panlilio, Ian Madrigal, Jan Sunday, Jed Esqueta, Jess Codeniera, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Johann Bona, Jojo Austria, Joji Duque III, Lhee Taneo Valles, Manila Automat, Manny Orozco, Mideo M. Cruz, Mio Aceremo, MJ Suayan, Racquel de Loyola, Romeo Lee, Ronyel Compra, Veejay Villafranca, and Victoria Keet. According to the gallery, the participating creatives of the exhibit contribute part of the sales to the relief efforts for the Typhoon Odette survivors.
“Transmitting: Thoughts and Prayers” is open for viewing until Jan. 8, 2022. Visit @modeka.art on Instagram to know more about the exhibit and their holiday schedule.