In an era where photographs are ubiquitous, they function as mirrors, reflecting not only appearances but also the profound dimensions of lives spent all around the world.
Qube Gallery unveiled its latest photography exhibition, “The World In Love with Itself,” on Sept. 2, 2023. The exhibit, curated by Stephanie Frondoso, showcases the works of 17 talented Filipino artists and photographers.
The participating artist and photographer line-up includes Raena Abella, Jonathan Baldonado, Hersley Casero, ESL Chen, Tom Epperson, Katherine Jack, Dwight Lu, Jacob Maentz, Meg Manzano, Pia Mercado, Artu Nepomuceno, Neal Oshima, Jason Quibilan, Martin San Diego, Steve Tirona, Terence Ver and Veejay Villafranca.
“The exhibit demonstrates the richness of Philippine contemporary photography as evidenced by the multitude of mediums, concepts and techniques explored by photographers in different stages in their career,” said Frondoso and Antonni Cuesta in a statement.
Participating artists like Casero showcase photos that feature faceless, jubilant individuals set against vibrant, tinted skies. They capture the essence of everyday festivity in his hometown, Dumaguete.
Lu’s pictures show unspoiled landscapes where nature commands attention. These scenes seem almost otherworldly, free from human interference, drawing viewers into a tranquil space. His depictions of vastness are both vibrant and serene.
In the opposite approach, Chen approaches landscape photography in a contemporary way, inspired during a snowstorm near Mount Fuji. He digitally blended eight images to capture the essence of time, beckoning viewers to pay attention. Expanding on this theme, he created “Time as a Ravager of Stars,” a mixed media piece derived from a video projection, emphasizing time’s transformative nature.
“We scarcely observe the passage of time since its constant forward movement is a given. I find solace in being able to record the movement of time and cut it into pieces because it empowers me with the illusion of being able to control it,” said Chen.
Baldonado recently completed an artist’s residency in Bacolod, where he captured the details of a sugar mill coated in sugarcane ash. His photographs symbolize the profound influence of sugar on Negros Island, resembling sugary delicacies that have molded the region’s culture and identity.
Epperson specializes in abstract photography, with a keen focus on overlooked, ordinary objects and the play of shadows. His work isolates and manipulates shapes and forms, resulting in images that exude intrigue and mystery, inviting viewers to explore the unnoticed beauty in the world around us.
Quibilan’s abstraction series takes a unique approach, using X-rays as a camera to transform familiar objects into unrecognizable forms. These images strip away color and context, revealing the hidden dimensions of everyday items.
Renowned for his work in alternative photography techniques, Oshima explores various methods, including photograms, cyanotypes and platinum palladium prints. His extensive career spans both commercial and fine art photography, with a focus on capturing the spectral qualities of his subjects, creating visually captivating and ethereal compositions.
Abella is known for her ambrotypes and also boasts professional training in digital photography. Her work features a mesmerizing yet unconventional rendering of an octopus against a monochromatic backdrop. This image challenges conventional notions of beauty and the mysterious nature of the world around us, provoking contemplation and fascination in those who view it.
“The World In Love with Itself” is up until Sept. 30 at Qube Contemporary, Design Center of Cebu, A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City, Cebu. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 12 to 6 p.m.