Up-and-coming artist Ryan Uy, healing from the death of his father several years ago, is back with a new exhibit, his second solo show, teeming with his trademark faceless images waking up, showered with confetti or seeking shelter under an umbrella. Metaphors for hope and renewed enthusiasm, these objects reflect the artist’s state of mind and the place he’s currently in–a happy one.
By Ron Gonzales
Filipino contemporary artist Ryan Uy is currently holding his second solo show “A Remembrance of Rain” at the Qube Contemporary Gallery in Cebu. While his first sold-out exhibit, which came on the heels of his father’s passing, was predominantly done in somber blacks, blues and grays, this collection features pieces in ebullient shades of green, yellow, and pink. He says that the color choices weren’t intentional.
“I guess I was just painting from a happy place. A sign that I have moved on from that painful chapter of my life. Even I am surprised [with the colors I used] because I have always gravitated towards using dark, almost monochromatic tones,” the artist shares.
Consisting of 18 paintings, most of which still feature his signature faceless boys and girls, the exhibit, depending on the beholder, teems with a palpable sense of hope and newfound enthusiasm. The paper cranes that figured heavily in his previous collections are replaced with confetti showers. Although used as an allegory for rain, the confetti can be taken to mean as a celebration of life, and for the artist, proof that it is possible to find happiness after a tragedy.
Without alluding to an umbrella’s spiritual symbolism of emotional security and God’s protection and guidance, Ryan was drawn to painting them for some reason. “It must be my subconscious telling me to put them on my canvases. It just felt very organic,” he says.
There is also a marked difference in the way he draws his shapes, which are more sinuous and less rigid compared to his previous artworks.
Aside from his show in Cebu, Ryan also joins other artists in the group show “I Woke Up Like This” at Modeka Art Space.
Apart from paintings, both exhibits also showcase ELMO, a collection of sculptures of faceless boys holding an umbrella, painted in the same colorful palette as those on Ryan’s canvases. “It’s my first foray into toy art, and I’m pretty happy with how they turned out,” he shares.
“I’m quite happy about the pieces I did for both shows because they’re very different from what I’ve been showing. There’s a certain lightness to them, which is a reflection of the current state I am in,” Ryan reveals.
When asked what’s next for him, he has no clue yet. “I honestly don’t have the slightest idea what I’m going to paint next. But whatever it is, I know that my pieces will always tell a story–my story. And I hope that my future journeys will always inspire people and bring them hope, as they always have. And that’s what’s most important.”
“A Remembrance of Rain” runs until May 31 at Qube Contemporary Gallery, 3rd floor, Design Center of Cebu, A.S. Fortuna St. Mandaue City. For inquiries, call +63918.8074175 or email info@qubegallery.ph. The gallery is open from 12 pm to 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Walk-ins are allowed.
“I Woke Up Like This” runs until June 11 at Modeka Creative Space, Warehouse 20A, La Fuerza 1, Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. For inquiries or appointments, call +63916.6976671.
