Sometimes, difficult and challenging circumstances will change one’s life—not just one’s perspective but even one’s own personality. Daniel Aligaen talks about this in his latest art show “An Unforgettable Experience We Will Never Remember.”
Daniel Aligaen; 'The Skirmish,' acrylic on textile, 2023
“I was inspired by a quote from Fredrich Nietzche that said, ‘Beware that, when fighting monster, you yourself become a monster...,’ he says. “This quote helped me put together pieces that told a story of how and when a man becomes the very thing he despises and will not remember the change. Each piece was titled in chapters to build a story.”
Aligaen is an artist who explores life’s philosophies and shares his discoveries and realizations through satirical artworks. It can be clearly seen in his latest exhibition. His inspiration from Nietzsche’s idea might be a bit dark and heavy, but the touch of humor radiates in his works.
'The Perfect Timing,' acrylic on textile, 2023; 'The Watcher,' acrylic on canvas, 2023
In The Perfect Timing, he shows how one’s life can be changed because of that perfect timing when deciding important matters, such as in love, career, or another aspect of life. In The Grace Ain’t Greener on the Other Side, he shows that things or opportunities might be the same as one is experiencing now, and it’s just all about perspective. Meanwhile, The Reshapingmight be a simple message on how sometimes your effort can just be a waste when you try to change unchangeable things.
“My main source of inspiration is humor because it is the only thing that keeps us sane,” he muses. “The whole painting process took me about half a year but building the concept took longer because this would change until I finished painting the last piece. I would reconstruct the concept after looking at my work collectively until I was satisfied.”
Like most of us, Aligaen starts his work with a cup of coffee. “Art was introduced to me at a young age because my mom worked at an advertising agency. While she worked, she would give me art materials to use. I’ve been painting professionally since 2008,” he says. “My creative process also starts with coffee.”
'Unprecedented Escaper,' acrylic on canvas, 2023; 'The Reshaping,' acrylic on textile, 2023
Moving forward, the artist is keen to use his platform to share his perspectives with the world. “Art is like life. I don’t understand life. I create pieces that are usually a satirical critique of everyday human experiences,” he says. “My main source of inspiration is humor because it is the only thing that keeps us sane. I hope to make viewers consider the perspectives I portray in my work.”
This is how with the help of little humor, Aligaen reminds everyone that unfortunate things may happen to anyone, but those experiences shouldn’t drag any of us into the darkness because with a bit of humor, we can endure and find the light at the end of the tunnel.
The exhibit, “An Unforgettable Experience We Will Never Remember” by Daniel Aligaen, ran from May 7 to May 27 at the Art Verite Gallery, Serendra, Taguig City. To contact +63279151982 / [email protected]