At a time when stories of suicide and mental breakdown fill daily news and social media threads, Filipino visual artist Christian “Chris” Mirang returns to the contemporary art scene to portray yet another profound truth in “Light of Life.”

For his 10th solo exhibit, Christian chose to throw minimal, subtle hues of gold, crimson, and azure on black and white images, breathing vitality into stillness and showing manifestations of God in the day-to-day life of mankind.

Anchored on hope and unwavering confidence that the Lord never abandons, Christian showcases in his paintings the assurance in biblical truths heard and felt in tranquility.

For this exhibit, Christian uses mainly acrylic on his canvases. Also, the hint—or sometimes splash—of color in each of his compositions gives a different meaning to light in an otherwise monochromatic setting.

It is an invitation to the viewer to ruminate on the profound peaceful setting of the subject/s in the portrait, in contrast to one's personal struggles with anxiety and hopelessness.

In “Light of Life,” the contemporary visual artist sought to respond to the growing number of individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts prevalent in society today.

“The message of the show is about more hope and confidence that the Lord will not abandon us, that He will fulfill what He has promised to us,” Christian said.

“Marami kasing depressed ngayon at suicidal kaya yan ang naging theme ng show ko. Para magbigay lakas at pag-asa sa mga makakakita (There are so many people who are depressed and suicidal right now, so that became the theme of my show. To give strength and hope to those who will see these),” he said.

In retrospect, Christian’s latest work provides simple, idyllic scenes that are laden with so much meaning for the art connoisseur. Interpretation is left to the spectator, but the primary goal of the show is to be a beacon of hope.