Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artist
confirming the authenticity of this lot

Exhibited:
Secret Fresh Gallery, Batangan, San Juan,
August 23 - September 5, 2020

ABOUT THE WORK

In line with his pursuit of presenting thought-provoking pieces that cater to the contemporary era, Ronson Culibrina has been exploring environmental themes and the ecological consequences of haphazard industrialization and rapid urbanization for over four years now. Culibrina said of his current subjects: "My art is a personal expression and retelling of aspects of my life, but—at the same time—it connects well with other people's experiences and the broader social fabric. My works then visualize metaphorically the idea of balancing amid a rapidly changing lifestyle and environment. Lately, I have been fixated on using an iridescent palette which magnifies the chaotic convergence of figures." The Batangan series, to which this piece belongs, continues his previous works that focus on the aggressive "developments'' affecting coastal communities. The title refers to the balancing device used in traditional boats, consisting of a wooden framework protruding from the boat's body on both sides. Culibrina uses the batangan as a metaphor "for the balancing acts that life necessitates in the game of survival." In coastal communities, specifically in Culibrina's native Talim Island in Laguna de Bay, the concept of balance relates to various facets of living in such environments. It describes the conflict between progress in modern society and ecological conservation. In this piece, Culibrina depicts a locality in shambles. He juxtaposes biotic, abiotic, and manufactured elements with a hand projecting from a weighing scale and its fingers crossed. The hand gesture communicates a vehement cry amid the havoc; it is a plea for help and, at the same time, a glimmer of hope. With this piece, Culibrina begs the question: Is progress more vital than environmental preservation? Or is there a way to pursue both without sacrificing the other?