Let's talk 'Nonsense'
RC Caringal reevaluates the meaning of rubbish through her latest show.
Published Apr 30, 2023 11:45 pm
Most of the time, we humans abhor rubbish or avoid individuals who talk nonsense. But are they really talking nonsense or we’re just simply missing the point?
This is what artist RC Caringal explores in her latest show “Nonsense,” currently on exhibit at the Art Verite Gallery in Taguig City. With her mixed impressionism and expressionism style, she puts the spotlight on the human face and its features when it is spewing nonsense.
RC Caringal; 'Every Word Matters,' oil on warped canvas, 2023
“It’s about visualizing the state and the effect of being nonsense or acting like one,” she says. “My subjects are particularly focused on a person’s eyes, the most expressive part of the human body. My main piece, the crumpled painting of a big mouth that screams, represents the ‘talking nonsense’ idea, yelling or saying words painful and hurtful to take. It looks like crumpled paper that is going to be thrown away, like garbage. There’s also installation art, showing broken figures of an ear, an effect of hearing or absorbing garbage.” For a young artist like Caringal, who’s just gone the professional route over the last seven years, this show is a huge gamble. This might be her third solo exhibit, but the “Nonsense” exhibition introduces her new style and unconventional subject. She openly admits that as a young painter she’s still exploring her style and identity as a visual artist. “It is way too different from my past exhibits because of the concept, a new art style, and the color. The color experimentation I did lightens up the mood of the show even though every piece has a darker meaning,” she says. “Creating a concept and to visualize the show in the gallery space takes months for me to finalize. Discovering new materials to experiment with, or depending on my daily situation and experiences, can change the original plan or concept.” When asked what inspired her to create “Nonsense,” the Technological University of the Philippines Fine Arts alumna said it was her late father, who never once attended any important event in her life.
'I Did as I was Told,' oil on canvas, 2023; 'The Only Thing You See Is You,' oil on canvas, 2023
“He’s forever gone now,” she says. “I dedicate all of my exhibition to him because he was my number one fan, yet never attended any events I had since I was a child, even my graduation day. I challenge myself to be great at what I’m doing so that someday my father will finally show up for my achievements. But now, it’s impossible for it to happen.” In *I did as I was told*, some may feel the pain of being blamed for doing things one didn’t want to do. “It’s my favorite piece,” says Caringal. “The only painting that has fingers on it. I like it because there's a lot of edges and curves and it was a challenge to do it. I personally love the color combinations I experimented with. Lastly, the subject is my little brother. We used to be close back then, but now we’re not.” Moving forward, Caringal is committed to share more stories through her works. “Art for me is like an open-close diary. It’s the only way for me to vent about issues and problems without confronting other people. Through art, I can share stories and personal experiences in an indirect way. I make them look mysterious or give them a general meaning,” she says. “Nothing is more fulfilling for me than when someone can relate to my work.”
RC Caringal; 'Every Word Matters,' oil on warped canvas, 2023
“It’s about visualizing the state and the effect of being nonsense or acting like one,” she says. “My subjects are particularly focused on a person’s eyes, the most expressive part of the human body. My main piece, the crumpled painting of a big mouth that screams, represents the ‘talking nonsense’ idea, yelling or saying words painful and hurtful to take. It looks like crumpled paper that is going to be thrown away, like garbage. There’s also installation art, showing broken figures of an ear, an effect of hearing or absorbing garbage.” For a young artist like Caringal, who’s just gone the professional route over the last seven years, this show is a huge gamble. This might be her third solo exhibit, but the “Nonsense” exhibition introduces her new style and unconventional subject. She openly admits that as a young painter she’s still exploring her style and identity as a visual artist. “It is way too different from my past exhibits because of the concept, a new art style, and the color. The color experimentation I did lightens up the mood of the show even though every piece has a darker meaning,” she says. “Creating a concept and to visualize the show in the gallery space takes months for me to finalize. Discovering new materials to experiment with, or depending on my daily situation and experiences, can change the original plan or concept.” When asked what inspired her to create “Nonsense,” the Technological University of the Philippines Fine Arts alumna said it was her late father, who never once attended any important event in her life.
'I Did as I was Told,' oil on canvas, 2023; 'The Only Thing You See Is You,' oil on canvas, 2023
“He’s forever gone now,” she says. “I dedicate all of my exhibition to him because he was my number one fan, yet never attended any events I had since I was a child, even my graduation day. I challenge myself to be great at what I’m doing so that someday my father will finally show up for my achievements. But now, it’s impossible for it to happen.” In *I did as I was told*, some may feel the pain of being blamed for doing things one didn’t want to do. “It’s my favorite piece,” says Caringal. “The only painting that has fingers on it. I like it because there's a lot of edges and curves and it was a challenge to do it. I personally love the color combinations I experimented with. Lastly, the subject is my little brother. We used to be close back then, but now we’re not.” Moving forward, Caringal is committed to share more stories through her works. “Art for me is like an open-close diary. It’s the only way for me to vent about issues and problems without confronting other people. Through art, I can share stories and personal experiences in an indirect way. I make them look mysterious or give them a general meaning,” she says. “Nothing is more fulfilling for me than when someone can relate to my work.”