Francesca Balaguer-Mercado at Avellana Art Gallery

MANILA, Philippines - Commissioned photographer and all-around creative Francesca Balaguer-Mercado presents a series of photographs inspired by life-altering events she personally went through since her return to Manila from the US in 2011 in “Curious Comfort,” which opens on Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m. at Avellana Art Gallery, 2680 FB Harrison St., Pasay City. The show runs until Nov. 16

Francesca’s images are representations of experiences, loved ones involved and her physical and emotional states during those trying times. The collection explores the dichotomy of self-preservation and a desire to remain in one’s comfort zone with the need for exploration, growth and moving forward — the call of curiosity.

The series comprises 10 images, all created with the underlying belief that something beautiful can come from an otherwise arduous situation. This idea is interpreted by the collection’s vibrant and dynamic colors contrasting its fragile and evocative subjects. The images vary in size, representing the scale of emotions felt by the artist — from large and assaulting to small and intimate.

Francesca graduated with honors from the University of the Philippines, Diliman with a degree in Film and Audio Visual Communications. She later moved to the US and pursued further studies. She earned her MFA degree in Photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her experiences and apprenticeships abroad have shaped her extremely hands-on process, resulting in her unique style of visual storytelling.

For inquiries, call 833-3357 or e-mail avellana_gallery@yahoo.com.