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‘Be Water’: Chino Yulo Explores Water’s Unique Strangeness and Flow
Be Water, Chino Yulo’s recent exhibit at Imahica Art Gallery, commands attention for its aesthetic cohesiveness. The varied methods and materials in how he creates his sculptures peer into the kind of artistic philosophy that finds harmony even in the hardness of life.
Yulo’s work finds its thematic tones from a popular Bruce Lee quote. “Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water.” The idea behind that philosophy helped craft Lee’s career, from his martial arts style to his ability to transition from Hong Kong cinema to Hollywood with ease. With this quote, the artist found himself inspired by the legendary actor’s philosophy of change.
“Each piece is a testament to the fluidity and strength inherent in water,” the exhibit write-up said. “His works [portray] water’s ability to morph, [conform], and persist, reflecting its physical beauty and profound symbolism.”
Superstructures of Abstractness
Be Water showcases works that are colorful and provocative in their flow. For most of the featured sculptures, Yulo uses thermoformed acrylic to execute his designs. The end product has a look that melds the aesthetics of stainless steel and glass.
But while it takes its cues from those materials, it uniquely captures the formlessness of water’s flow in a way that feels inherently otherworldly. Something like “Matto Burakku 1-2” gives off an alien-like sheen that also feels organic. “Organic” in the sense that it’s made from biological materials, but not necessarily something human.
“While working with metal, I accidentally scratched it with sand paper,” Yulo said, sharing a glimpse of his creative process. “I was surprised with the effect and tried to make patterns with different strokes. I then walked passed it and saw they looked like waves upside down. I’ve always been fond of the brilliance of metals when light is reflected on it. Even more when they were etched.
“Then one time I was working with acrylic for a table. I accidentally left it out in the sun too long and it became malleable and warped. I then played around with it and saw the possibilities of what the material could do and be.”
Exploring the Elements of Water
Yulo’s inspiration for water came from his own travels and adventures, dabbling with the images presented while scuba diving or surfing.
“I often get my inspiration from nature in my travels and adventures. I then try to find ways on how to present them in different scenarios with different mediums. And hopefully when someone looks at my work, it takes them to a special place or at the very least it makes them feel something.”
The artist’s aesthetic exploration highlight water’s seemingly disparate qualities. It’s the only chemical compound where its solid form is lighter than its liquid form. It adapts to any environment that it inhabits. And with just a slight change on a molecular level, it becomes bleach. Even the fact that we’re composed of 70% water is strange.
Flow Like Water
The TAN-AW series’ “Meditation Point” and “Copper Healing” uses aluminum and copper respectively. It’s Yulo’s take on the many times he’s gazed at the our seas and oceans. These waterscapes capture a sense of calm and enchantment one feels when looking out into the horizon. Both pretty and compelling, Yulo’s use of sharp, metallic colors help create a vivid but fluid image that allow them to work as a centerpieces.
As a whole, the exhibit’ sculptures dip and pivot in ways that remind us of their pliability. They also flow well from piece to piece, providing an excellent and implicit snapshot of water in motion. And some of the works’ transparent qualities further add to this sense of fluidity.
The Future for Chino Yulo
Continuing with his interest in water and nature, Yulo revealed that he will be working with glass in the future to further expand his artistic style. He also shared that his next exhibit concept will circle around the idea of rain.
“Back then, I hated it when it would rain because it would mean my production and deliveries of tables would take a halt because of the weather,” he said. “But lately I’ve been appreciating it. It gives a different feel. [Especially] when your in the middle of the ocean and it starts pouring. It has this very enchanting feeling, both physical and emotional. “
Be Water crafts a powerful series of sculptures that explore the idea of adaptability. Chino Yulo pushes the material’s flexibility to craft some pretty works that hits on the idea of accepting change within the self and beyond. You can catch his next exhibit on July 7 at the Pinto Art Museum, where he explores the concept of Rain Over Water.
Related reading: Folded Landscape: A New Breed of Philippine Sculptural Art
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