"Metamorphosis: Art Amidst Change" - A Captivating Journey Through Transformation

iACADEMY invites art enthusiasts, students, and the general public to explore the transformative world of "Metamorphosis: Art Amidst Change" curated by the visual artist and Dean of the School of Design and Arts (SODA), Jon Cuyson. This ongoing exhibition at the iACADEMY Nexus Gallery, brings together a diverse collection of works from talented local and international artists who creatively navigate the complexities of the polycrisis. 

The participating artists include:

KARL CASTRO

CLARENCE CHUN

ANJELINE DE DIOS

GYUNG JIN SHIN

KELLI MAESHIRO

YURI TAN

The Filipino Superwoman Band

EISA JOCSON

BUNNY CADAG

CATHRINE GO

TERESA BARROZO

FRANCHESCA CAUSAY

Short Films from:

KHAVN DELA CRUZ

SHIREEN SENO

Navigating the Polycrisis Through Art

In an era of environmental, social, political, and technological challenges, artists play a pivotal role in inspiring change, fostering dialogue, and providing alternative perspectives. "Metamorphosis" aims to delve into the profound ways in which artists utilize transformation, experimentation, and creativity to address the interconnected crises of our time.

The Power of Art in Response to Chaos

The term "polycrisis" acknowledges the multifaceted challenges faced globally and recognizes the interconnectedness of these crises. Through introspection, collaboration, and innovative strategies, artists navigate uncertainties and offer profound insights into the transformative potential of art. 

Internationally Acclaimed Artists on Display

"Metamorphosis" features works from internationally acclaimed artists, offering a unique opportunity for students, art enthusiasts, and the public to engage with global perspectives. Among the featured artists are:

1. Costume Party by Yuri Tan:

Description: Yuri Tan's "Costume Party" reimagines childhood photos, exploring gender roles, societal expectations, and personal growth. The series features polaroids transformed into fabric-like shapes, each paired with quotes from pop culture, literature, or the artist's mother.

BIO: Yuri Tan, a visual artist from Sta. Rosa, Laguna, explores body politics, domesticity, and memory through mixed media and experimental photography. Her works have been featured in solo and group exhibitions globally.

2. Unboxing Time Series by Karl Castro:

Description: Karl Castro's series captures daily life through digitally scanned, torn, drawn, and painted elements. These abstract images chronicle the flows of mediation, labor, and life processes, offering a unique perspective on the everyday.

BIO: Karl Castro, an artist and lecturer, traverses various creative fields, focusing on art, design, and cinema. His works, exhibited internationally, reflect on culture, history, and Filipino identity.

3. Push until it’s all forgotten & There’s no other place that I’ll lay down my face by Clarence Chun:

Description: Clarence Chun's work explores the role of painting, blending abstract expressionism, micropop, and digital media. It reflects contemporary conditions, cultural migrations, and identity flows, creating a hybrid language of artistic expression.

BIO: Clarence Chun, a distinguished artist with an MFA from the School of Visual Arts NY, has exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums globally, from the National Museum of the Philippines to the Honolulu Museum of Art.

4. But we can get away by Kelli Maeshiro:

Description: Kelli Maeshiro's mixed-media installation delves into abstraction, formlessness, and material deconstruction. Using various materials, the sculptural work embodies metaphors of temporality, sublime transformation, and organic connectivity.

BIO: Kelli Maeshiro, a contemporary artist with a unique approach, incorporates traditional Japanese craft with contemporary materials. Her works address multilayered identities and have been exhibited in various international galleries.

5. To Pick A Flower by Shireen Seno

Description: Seno's video essay delves into the transmutation from the natural world to the human one, exploring the intertwined roots of photography and capitalism in the Philippines during the American Colonial Era.

BIO: Shireen Seno is a celebrated artist and filmmaker, recognized for her work addressing memory, history, and image making. A recipient of the 2018 Thirteen Artists Award, Seno's films have garnered acclaim at international festivals and exhibitions.

6. Philippine No Wave: This Is Not A Film Movement by Khavn De La Cruz

Description: Dela Cruz presents a documentary-style video featuring prominent digital filmmakers from the Philippines, shedding light on the diverse landscape of Philippine Cinema.

BIO: Khavn De La Cruz, known as KHAVN, is a multifaceted artist considered the father of Philippine digital filmmaking. With numerous features and short films to his name, his work has been recognized globally.

7. Mimicking Venus by Gyung Jin Shin

Description: Shin's project involves performance video and sculptural installations, embracing the process of producing Venus sculptures by measuring her own body.

BIO: Gyung Jin Shin, a multimedia artist and researcher based in Hong Kong and Seoul, explores philosophical and ontological issues through digital media and new technologies.

8. TFSB2020 – Superwoman, Empire of Care by The Filipino Superwoman Band (TFSB) 

Description: This video work, developed during the COVID-19 crisis, uses K-Pop aesthetics to highlight the essential role of Filipino migrant workers, especially healthcare workers, against the global pandemic.

BIO: The Filipino Superwoman Band explores the affective labor of Overseas Filipino Musicians and the socio-economic conditions underpinning their work. The group is comprised of the following members:

Eisa Jocson, a contemporary choreographer and dancer, who intricately weaves the story of Filipino labor through her captivating movements. 

Bunny Cadag, a trans-feminine multi-disciplinary artist, who delves into the intersections of theater, film, and performance arts.

Cathrine Go, a performing artist based in Manila, who seamlessly blends theater, film, and education in her versatile repertoire.

Teresa Barrozo, a sound artist and composer, who crafts sonic landscapes that resonate globally. 

Franchesca Casauay, a cultural worker with a multidisciplinary approach, who serves as the vital link between institutions and artists.

Visit Before November 20, 2023

"Metamorphosis: Art Amidst Change" is a unique opportunity to witness the resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness of artists in response to change. The exhibition is open to the public at the iACADEMY Nexus Gallery until November 20, 2023. Don't miss the chance to experience this transformative journey through the lens of contemporary art.