Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

Ronson Culibrina’s artistic philosophy confronts the novel and contemporary questions and problems brought about by an era of globalization and industrialization. As an artist he concerns himself with the clash of traditional value and contemporary modernization especially those affecting the middle and lower classes. But, despite this seemingly arduous and serious theme, Culibrina’s works still possess a playful and whimsical quality. The worlds of his intricately rendered tableaus reel people in in order for them to ponder the nuanced narrative present within the piece. Culibrina’s piece entitled Statue of Liberty confronts the growing number of Filipinos leaving the country in search for a better life elsewhere. Drawing from both his personal experiences and the realities affecting the nation, Culibrina’s work unearths the reality of this pipe dream. The work features numerous central figures, each one contributing to the demolition of the famous Statue of Liberty and loading it onto a station wagon. Culibrina effectively deconstructs the idealistic reality of those moving away from their homeland by showing that their own fantasies are illusions as well. He also brings to light how this problem is not inherent to the Philippines. It is a global phenomenon, one that requires a shared and holistic solution. Culibrina’s work is both enlightening and engaging as it points us in the direction of a better future.