The early days of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has witnessed museums and galleries cutting art shows short. For a time, independent art spaces have been placed at a standstill as they try to adjust to a new normal—one that limits our time outside and mass gatherings.
As more galleries and artists move their halted exhibitions to the internet, a few questions are raised: How has this pandemic affected artists and the work they produce? What will art exhibits look like in the aftermath of COVID-19?
Sustainable Anxiety, Silverlens Galleries
2263 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
June 25 to July 24
Inspired by life in the digital age, interdisciplinary artist Pow Martinez explores our increasing relationship with the online space through “Sustainable Anxiety.” Through his cartoonish art style, which involves grotesque characters in odd settings, his paintings explore our societal roles and consumption habits in the digital age.
Ultimately, “Sustainable Anxiety” also sheds light on how we’ve become spectators to our own downfalls as we slowly inch to our apocalypse.
Art works from this show are physically installed in Silverlens Galleries, but visits to the gallery are only by appointment. The artworks from the show are also available for viewing online through the show’s exhibition gallery.
Little Blue Window, Silverlens Galleries
2263 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
June 25 to July 24
“Little Blue Window” is composed of cyanotype prints that reflect sound designer Corinne de San Jose’s time during the lockdown. With the pandemic placing us in a situation where we have little control and our modes of communication disrupted, “Little Blue Window” reflects how the artist attempts to navigate the situation while marooned indoors.
From prints that recreate a visual of Metro Manila under enhanced community quarantine to the last image of the beach that de San Jose visited, this exhibit is an attempt to find rationality through images.
Art works from this show are physically installed in Silverlens Galleries, but visits to the gallery are only by appointment. The artworks from the show are also available for viewing online through the show’s exhibition gallery.
Adaptation, Galerie Stephanie
Unit 4021, 4/F East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City
With the pandemic forcing us to transition to new ways of living, Galerie Stephanie is presenting an online exhibit that explores this period of change. “Adaptation” features works from artists Emman Acasio, Roby Dwi Antono, Nunzio Paci, Imam Santoso and Jone Sibugan, all of which capture a world caught in mid-transformation. The works in the exhibit express society’s doubts and fears amid the pandemic, as well as the possibility of “new normals” that have yet to come.
“Adaptations” is available for viewing through Galerie Stephanie’s online portal. To gain access, contact inquiry.galeriestephanie@gmail.com.
Becoming Trees, Artinformal
The Alley at Karrivin, 2316 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
May 28 to July 8
Last May, Artinformal launched a special group exhibition that has been presented exclusively online. “Becoming Trees” features works from visual artist Nice Buenaventura, photographer Raena Abella, painter Tosha Albor as well as 10 other artists.
The group exhibit expresses the artists’ thoughts after being rooted in one place over the past two months, exploring topics such as workers whose livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic, the push for sustainable development and our acceptance of negative change.
“Becoming Trees” is currently available for viewing through Artinformal’s online portal.
Awakening, Ikaj Paintings
An exhibit two years in the making, “Awakening” is Jackie Hontiveros-Lozano’s exploration into her personal experience of the world and self-discovery. This exhibit comprises nine oil paintings, each portraying vivid emotional landscapes and events inspired by her own experiences. Her works focus on charting moods and moments through different characters and creatures, such as women fixated on identity or dragon friends in stormy seas.
Hontiveros-Lozano’s exhibit is currently available for viewing through her website, ikajpaintings.com.
Header photo courtesy of Silverlens Galleries
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