Ferret Out : Mark Justiani & Chang Jinchao

We checked out Chang Jin Chao's animation installation along with his signature mural as we passed it along the way to far east to find a bag suitable for wanita

i look really funny in these pics 

coz i always never manage to get

 into  position in time before the 

camera snaps  

before that we went to substation after work to check out filipino artist, Mark Justiniani's exhibition.

  

this is my favourite piece from the entire colle

ction, entitled, Yonder.  It is the subject's eyes 

that attracted me to it, following the glass 

eyes, it lead me to the tears collecting on the

 bottom lid, which lead me right back again to

 the pupil-not a solid round one, but in the 

shape of an atomic bomb instead.  That got me 

thinking.  It is sad.  the painting is sad.  It made 

me think sad thoughts.  Then i looked at the kites 

in the background.  The sky is filled with kites, 

beautiful colourful ones, as well as those that 

were greyed.  The contrast provoked a surge of 

sadness as i imagined happiness slowly faded

 into the world without colours, then i 

imagined the desaturated kite disappear 

from the sky.

Leap

Oil on canvas

5x4ft

Launch

oil on canvas

51x72inches

i love the way this guy renders his subject's

hands and feet. It might not be impactful

enough when you see it here on screen, but 

in real life, it's wonderful.  i observed his

paintings and realised that some parts were 

mixed with a high gloss finish, especially those

colours that were muted with white.  It was

probably the white paint i guess?  well i am 

not a painter, i don't know what that is, but i 

didn't like that effect.  Too much light was 

reflected off the surface of the painting which

made it difficult for me to see it close up.  

CATAPULT

Featuring new works of young contemporary artist

MARK JUSTINIANI

May 11 to 20, 2008
Substation Gallery, Home for the Arts
SINGAPORE

Social-realism in art often entails dark images depicting the harsh realities in society. Filipino visual artist Mark Justiniani, however, has found a way to provoke discussions on social issues while infusing what he describes as “a children's book-like quality” to his artworks. In his world, reality and fantasy need not collide.

Proof of that unique combination is his upcoming exhibition at Substation Gallery, Home for the Arts, Singapore from May 11 to 20, 2008.

Entitled “Catapult,” the 1st Solo Exhibition of Mark Justiniani in Singaporeorganized by www.ArtSentralAsia.com explores the idea of being on the verge – being tossed in the air leaving viewers to wonder whether the figures are going up or already coming down.

“The working theme is about platforms, transporting and catapult. It is about these structures that places people in various heights. It's actually very political with the catapult representing the structures in society and the platform like a stage where characters play roles,” Justiniani shared.

One artwork features an inverted figure holding a cane with legs spread wide open. He is suspended in mid-air and it is unclear whether a greater height is yet to be achieved or if gravity has already taken hold and the figure is being pulled back to the ground.

“My works are open-ended though still guided by the other visual cues that I include in the painting. When people look at my art, I want them to find more questions rather than answers. I want it to be a ongoing dialogue,” he explained.

Another artwork features a katipunero (a 19th century Filipino freedom fighter) standing in a giant hand. And though only until the wrist can be seen, one can surmise that it is the hand of a modern day businessman. The katipunero is holding on to the handle of his half-drawn itak (a local blade) though it is unclear if he is drawing it out or placing it back into the scabbard. Along the edges of the piece are scribbles from the text of McKinley's letter on the benevolent assimilation.

“It appears as though something is about to happen. Like a moment is on the verge of exploding. But we don't know what it is. So it encourages a discussion and hopefully, people will talk about what they think is about to take place,” Justiniani said.

A multi-awarded artist, Justiniani hails from the province of Negros Occidental which influenced the development of his style. He recalls two paintings in his mother's house which left a lasting impression on the young artist.

At an early age, he recognized that his artworks are seen by everyone, including children. Not wanting to traumatize young minds but still determined to express his beliefs, he combined the soft quality of children's illustrations with the realities of society, creating a unique style that is effectively thought-provoking.

Justiniani completed his art education at the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. His first solo exhibition was in 1993 and has had 10 more since then. He also regularly participates in various group shows both locally and internationally. His works have been exhibited in the United States, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Denmark, and Malaysia. A consistent prize-holder in many local and international art competitions, he was awarded the 13 Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a young artist.

source:artsentralasia.com/docs/exhibits/catapult.html