Joshua Limon Palisoc is a visual artist and sculptor who delves into the complexities of the human experience, using the human form as a canvas to explore themes of identity, morality, sexuality, freedom, and self-actualization. His journey began into art began in nursing school, where he was fascinated by the human body and its intricate workings. It was his exposure to death in the hospital setting, however, that triggered a deeper introspection about life’s ephemeral nature and the importance of nurturing the soul.
“In nursing school, one of the most interesting subjects for me was Anatomy and Physiology. I was fascinated with how the human body is designed and how each different part has their own special part in keeping us alive. But being exposed to death in the hospital setting is where I had deeper realizations. Life is ephemeral. The body which I was enchanted with is just a vessel,” he says. “The soul also needs to be nourished. Now, I use the body as a vehicle to tell internal narratives ad its relation to the society. The body and spirit are seen simultaneously.”
Joshua’s fascination with the human form has profoundly shaped his artistic perspective. He sees the body as a vessel that carries both the physical and spiritual aspects of our being. Through his art, he seeks to unravel the narratives that reside within our bodies, influenced by external factors such as societal norms, religious beliefs, and cultural expectations.
His notable exhibit “Ginabanal,” at The Manila Bang Show in Festival Mall, Alabang, was a poignant exploration of his Catholic upbringing and his longing for a home where genuine understanding and tolerance prevail. The exhibition title, a permutation of elements and symbols from Catholicism and pre-colonial Hindi beliefs, reflected Joshua’s desire to reframe the concept of holiness, emphasizing kindness and pluralism.
In his creative process, Joshua often incorporates found objects, allowing them to guide the narrative and imbue his work with a sense of serendipity. He views his artistic practice as a form of sympathetic magic, a ritualistic act of transferring his essence onto inanimate materials, creating extensions of himself that serve as mirrors for self-reflection and understanding.
“I wouldn’t say that the ‘found object’ I incorporate in my pieces are selected. Objects usually present themselves and fit the narrative in my mind. There is always a dialogue between me and the material. Sometimes, I want to do something and the material wouldn’t allow it to work. Sometimes, I let the material do what it wants to do and I just follow, then it works,” he shares.
He meticulously researches and analyzes the elements surrounding his experiences, formulating a creative hypothesis that guides his artistic expression. This approach lends a scientific rigor to his art, ensuring that his work is grounded in deep understanding of the human condition.
“All my concepts are coming from personal experience. I try to learn and understand the elements around the experience, a worldview, etc. through research. Then I start creating a creative hypothesis. It’s kind of scientific in a way,” he said.
Joshua’s life-and-death experiences in the hospital have instilled in him a profound fear of death, a fear he confronts head-on through his art. He seeks to understand the root of his fear and find ways to alleviate it, using his craft as a therapeutic tool for self-exploration and healing.
“Since I had life and death experience in the hospital, I have started fearing death, for myself and my loved ones. Sometimes, it paralyzes me just to think about it. I hate the feeling. So I decided to face it head on. Try to analyze and understand where fear and find remedies to alleviate it through my craft,” said Joshua.
Joshua’s ability to capture the essence of human emotion in his work stems from his own profound connection to his emotions. He doesn’t consciously attempt to transfer emotions onto his work; rather, he allows his emotions to flow freely through his creative process, resulting in artworks that resonate with raw authenticity.
His most meaningful piece of art, Tahanan ng Makasalanan at Banal (Home of the Sinner and the Saint), is soul-baring work that symbolizes his longing for homecoming. The piece depicts a figure seeking admittance into a home, their body adorned with judging eyes that represent both the artist’s own self-criticism and the judgment of society. Once the doors open, the figure is transformed, their body exuding tolerance and their crown of thorns replaced by a vibrant rainbow halo. This transformation represents Joshua’s aspiration to find acceptance and peace within him, embracing all aspects of his being.
“The figure inside the door is what I aspire to be, someone who can feel at home with himself,” he ends.
The Manila Bang Show ran until December 10 at Festival Mall, Alabang; info@themanilabangshow; Instagram/themanilabangshow