"Flowing Light: A Group Show of Contemporary Artists," held from Jan. 8-Feb. 23, will showcase 25 works in a variety of media, such as oil painting, ink painting, installation, concept and performance art by 21 artists, including four from the Philippines. During a special tour for media Friday, one of the most notable artworks was the 2019 installation work "Pasyon and Revolution: Light and Brotherhood," a hammock crafted by Filipino artist Buen Calubayan from the pages of a book with the same title. The artist focuses on key terms in the book, such as "revolution", "decolonization" and "enlightenment," according to Queena Chu (朱倢瑢), partner and director of the organizer Mind Set Art Center (MSAC).
The artwork challenges people's position in written history and provokes reflection on the historical failings of utopianism and the trauma of colonialism, Chu said. "Calubayan wants to show that although the hammock portrays comfortable imagery, whoever lays in it is actually just enjoying someone else's hard labor weaving the hammock," Chu told CNA.
Another artwork that proved popular with members of the media was Filipina artist Nona Garcia's 2019 oil and canvas paper "Involuntary Landscape," which is imbued with modern consciousness and eastern philosophy, according to Chu. The artwork shows her interpretation of changing light, shade, time and space, hinting at the passing of time in landscapes, Chu said.
"To a certain degree, this artwork looks at the direction of our world, while it also resembles both a past and future that are connected to each other, meaning the past will be your future," Chu said. Other artworks by Philippine artists include Marina Cruz's 2021 oil on canvas "Patched Me," and Patricia Eustaquio's 2016-2021 art installation "Land."
MSAC founder Andre Lee (李政勇) told CNA he found art from the Philippines to be outstanding and that because of its colonial history, the country had better programs in the study of arts than other countries in the region. "Their study in arts has been around for hundreds of years and their tradition in artwork is very deep," Lee said.
MSAC is a contemporary art platform and gallery dedicated to creative programs and collaborative projects with artists and curators from different regions to promote cultural exchange, according to its website. "Flowing Light: A Group Show of Contemporary Artists," is also being held to commemorate MSAC's new location at Solar Technology Square, also known as Taipei's gallery district.
