Provenance: Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

The works of acclaimed contemporary master Mark Justiniani often oscillate between different kinds and treatments of realism. From the stark realities of Social Realism to the playful allegories of Magical Realism, Justiniani’s masterful control and use of the genre has made him a defining voice in the local art scene. In this piece, one can clearly see his synthesis of Social and Magical Realism in order to express his unique style and intent. Though the piece was made a decade before his return from his half-a-decade sojourn from the United States, a period in which Justiniani himself has credited as instrumental to the development of his Magical Realist style, the work shows how Justiniani already had a natural affinity for the technique prior to any formal training or influence. The piece plays around with time and space as it merges the concept of past and present with strange objects and figures, ultimately invoking the strangeness of everyday life and the inherent uncanniness of mundanity. But, unlike traditional forms of Magical Realism, Justiniani’s piece blends the existential characteristics of the style with the social critique of Social Realism. From the towering male figure at the center, humorously balancing the other parts of the canvas, to the smaller yet equally important female subjects located in the top corners of the piece, Justiniani’s work suggests a biting critique of a heavily patriarchal society that is balanced precariously upon ignorant chauvinism. Born in Bacolod, Negros Occidental in 1966, Mark Justiniani has always tinged his works with a healthy dose of social critique. He was an instrumental member in various artists collectives such as Artista ng Bayan, Salingpusa, Sanggawa, and Sakay. Though he primarily worked within the style of Social Realism, his knack for infusing his social critique with humor made his works unique amongst the local Social Realists. Justiniani has widely exhibited his works in shows in the Philippines as well as in Fukuoka, Copenhagen, Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Jakarta. He was the Philippines’ official representative at the 2019 Venice Biennale with his site-specific work entitled Island Weather. His work appears in several private and public collections. He received the prestigious 13 Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1994.