Artist and two main works.
MANILA, Philippines — In his exhibit final yr, visible artist Jeho Bitancor depicted fishermen and their households braving the hazards of the ocean (“dalampasigan at daluyong”) in a wrestle for survival. Nature was threatening, and pressure was within the air.
Now, in his newest solo present (at Altro Mondo Inventive Area, 1159 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati Metropolis till Oct. 12), Bitancor, who hails from Baler, Aurora, opts for a bigger vista. His gallery of characters, now not drawn realistically, has included, as he places it, “all—residents, allusions to politics, corruption, and many others.”
His quasi-surrealism and social protest have morphed into one thing extra symbolic and legendary, the metaphorical and expressionist swinging into wilder surrealism.
READ: Jeho Bitancor’s poetic dissent
There are 10 giant work, all oil on canvas. The which means will not be at all times clear, for the work demand your full consideration. It was a very good factor the artist was there to reply a few of my questions. The true artwork critics will get pleasure from analyzing these items.
“Sowing gloom”
Combating for energy
A clue will be discovered within the exhibit’s title: “Pangil sa Pakpak” (Fanged Wings).
In “Tagahasik ng Lagim,” a masked human rhinoceros, trying like a caveman, purple necktie flying within the wind and carrying a Justice of the Peace’s gavel full of thorns, stalks a burnt patch of earth. Inside are what I believed had been cowering victims however no, they had been truly blind followers supporting the beast.
Properly, in the event you’re considering of the political scene immediately, that’s solely your prerogative.
“Tangan ang Yaman” reveals a fisherman within the tentacles of an octopus, bearing away his daughter to security. The woman is holding on to corals and is surrounded by seaweeds, making an attempt to guard the bounty from the ocean.
In “Agawan sa Trono,” a nude couple seemingly from Hades is proven preventing for energy in a crumbling kingdom, with cash flying far and wide, signifying stolen wealth.
In “Sabwatan ng mga Sukab,” we see the assault canine of politicians, actual snarling canine with epaulettes (figuring out them as navy). Once more, there are cash far and wide, a strong lady with the tentacles of a squid as her face.
“Spring once more”
Hope, too
“Muling Pagsibol” strikes a constructive be aware. Bitancor could also be an apostle of social protest, however apparently the US-based artist has not given up hope for his residence nation. On this portray, we see folks surrounded by seedlings, birds, seashells, corals, and dragonfly wings.
In his artist’s assertion, Bitancor declares: “This exhibition affirms that to face for what’s simply is to honor our humanity. There’s grace in an open hand, hope in a shared smile, and power in shoulders that bear the load collectively.”
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Bitancor is a considering, feeling artist. /cb
