PROPERTY FROM THE MARC AND OFELIA GELVEZON-TEQUI COLLECTION

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist

ABOUT THE WORK

Roberto Chabet, a pioneering figure in the Philippine art scene, has left an indelible mark with his thoughtprovoking and multi-faceted works that ultimately challenge what art is all about. The Pillow Series challenges conventional notions of art, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a "work" and inviting viewers to question their preconceived notions. Chabet's practice is generally defined by the artist’s attempt to redefine and even discover new ways of expression that are not defined solely by the institutions and machinations that define are and the art world. In other words, his was a practice of dismantling the ivory tower built by the art world, and from its pieces, return (or perhaps redefine) art for a new age. Chabet's Pillow Series acts as a catalyst for introspection and self-reflection. The enigmatic quality of the artworks compels viewers to search for meaning beyond the literal representation of pillows. Though one may interpret Chcabet’s pillows as merely crude sketches, it is the very act of sketching that turns these pieces into more than an act of expression, but of reflection as well. For Chabet, a work of art does not begin at the moment of creation nor end at its execution. Arrt is viewed as a process, and that process continues, arguably, ad infinitum. These pieces, though not emblematic of Chabet’s entire practice, shows us an important glimpse into a part that may be in fact greater than the whole Roberto Chabet's Pillow Series stands as a testament to his artistic vision and ability to evoke contemplation through visual art. By defying categorization, incorporating visual symbolism, and eliciting introspection, the series transcends the physical realm of pillows and transports viewers into a realm of poetic ambiguity.