Manila Medley, exhibited at Gravity Art Space in collaboration with Satchel Project from February 21 to March 21, puts the experiences of artist Putimbulak center stage. The artist finds no veneer of shine to the city’s bright lights and grandeur, but instead highlights its underbelly, the chaotic environment that exists to keep the urban surroundings […]
‘Misery Loves Company’: Depicting Existential Angst in Astonishing Comic Hues
Misery Loves Company, the new exhibit from Modeka Art, showcases the collaborative work between visual artists RaiseHell and Wham. The works extract meaning from society’s collective misery as the two artists use their art styles to find some sort of comfort in the sadness that surrounds them.
“Here, misery serves as a conceptual thought that contrastingly propels them to form a deeper and personal connection with themselves and other people,” the write-up for the exhibit said.
Pulp- and Retro-Influenced Art
RaiseHell and Wham find common ground in their artistic works. RaiseHell’s works are inspired by punk and pop art and have a kind of dynamic motion embedded into them, akin to panels in vintage comic books. Meanwhile, Wham’s work uses relatively straightforward poses that look good in stillness without reducing the emotional expression of the pieces.
Together, both artists work in tandem to create artworks that revolve around the theme of misery, and finding solace and peace within them. RaiseHell’s works for the exhibit demonstrate this sense of fullness and motion in expressing their sadness.
“Exit Strategy,” for example, portrays the grieving creature as a broken piece of pottery with a pensive look on their face. They seem to stare up at a fluttering butterfly as they break apart, and the gesture feels monumental in context of the piece. It certainly expresses itself well as the first time someone finds their world broken and splintered apart.
Meanwhile, Wham’s “Undercurrents” evokes a similar feeling of dejection as “Exit Strategy.” The central figure looks somberly ahead as fish swim around them. But the subject also has a thoughtful expression that hints more at boredom than sadness; a world-weariness that seems to have built itself up from previous experiences.
There’s hopefulness in both of the paintings, but the two artists approach it in different ways. One pushes for hope in an uncertain situation, while the other finds calmness in experience. All the paintings in this exhibit have that sense of conversation between the works. Both artists seem to work on the same emotional feelings and arrive at different depictions on the topic.
Misery in Introspection
The central messaging of the exhibit is about the hopefulness of change, even as we go through terrible situations ourselves. There’s a strong sense of introspection in the paintings about how we navigate change. More than that, it shows how finding people who have experienced similar things gives us comfort to find ourselves and to move forward with a renewed sense of confidence for the future.
“The exhibit proposes the possibility of self-transformation through compassion and introspection as both artists reimagine emotions of discomfort through the lens of optimism and resilience,” the write-up said.
Peace and Collective Action
Works like RaiseHell’s “W.I.P.” and Wham’s “Inner Peace Garden” rally those feelings of peace and collective action into a cohesive whole. The first one shows two figures in the midst of a hug as they hold up tools of reform and repair. The second one shows a figure in a crouching position, an expression of defiant happiness on their face as they seem to float into a state of bliss.
Altogether, they give the message of peace as a painful, worthwhile endeavor. It’s an endeavor that needs to be taken to task as they navigate the future.
Misery Loves Company conceives of a world of dynamic movement and expression, a world where one is unafraid to show their pain—but more importantly, unafraid to find the help they need to move forward.
Related reading: Emerging Artists Create Expressions on Canvas
Art Fair Tokyo, currently the biggest annual art expo in Japan, was held from March 7 to 9 at the Tokyo International Forum. Over the three-day event, Galerie Stephanie showcased works from its roster of artists, standing as the sole Philippine-based gallery at the fair. The Tokyo exhibition featured the works of Kim Borja, Jem […]
Panasonic unveiled two groundbreaking additions to its Philippine product line at an intimate gathering held at Whitespace Manila in Makati on March 5th. In partnership with Rockford Marketing Corporation (RMC) and BluPrint, the global consumer electronics manufacturer showcased their newest DC Motor Ceiling Fans and Stainless Steel Storage Water Heater. Both products are equipped with […]
Genteelhome marks a pivotal moment in the local luxury furniture landscape with its first-ever summer outdoor collection called “PAYAK.” This emerged from an exclusive partnership with artist and cultural advocate Catriona Gray, who provided the creative vision for five distinct pieces. The unveiling of these limited edition designs took place at the furniture brand’s showroom […]
Running from March 15 to April 5 at Kapitolyo Art Space, Bloom explores individuality as a form of freedom. This group exhibit gathers thirteen women artists from various disciplines, each offering a distinct perspective. Together, their works celebrate the depth and diversity of artistic expression, inviting viewers to reflect on the many ways creativity shapes […]
Lately, there has been an active online discussion surrounding the extensive use of green colors in Filipino homes. Why this particular hue has captured the hearts of homeowners across the archipelago is a question that has sparked countless threads, theories, and even memes. So, we’re diving deep into this popular trend with designer Nix Alañon […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]