ABOUT THE WORK

One of the most acclaimed artists in Southeast Asia, Ronald Ventura is considered an auction star. His painting Grayground was a record-setting work at Sotheby’s, and he continues to set buzz in various auction houses and shows in the country and abroad. The contemporary artist is known for combining elements of hyperrealism, cartoons, illustrations, Pop Art symbols, and animals, especially dogs. The contemporary artist is considered an auction star. In these works, viewers sense dramatic tensions in the process of image making, as Ventura deals with dualisms and posthumanism. This particular piece seemingly combines the eschatological sci-fi aesthetic that became popular during the latter half of the twentieth century, and his iconic visual style. In the work, we see what appears to be a girl with a gas mask. The mask’s tube is held at its end by the girl’s hand, accentuating the fumes seemingly exiting the mask. Ventura’s imagery evokes scenes attributed to the end of the world; conjuring up symbols straight out of the movies. But one can undoubtedly view the work beyond its somber aesthetic. Ventura’s Filter can be seen as a metaphor for the resilience of the human spirit. Wherein despite the circumstances, mankind’s indomitable aspirations will undoubtedly guide it even when all else fails; even if everything that is solid melts into air.