‘Beyond the Pale’ at Galerie Anna

MANILA, Philippines - Galerie Anna presents “Beyond the Pale,” a group exhibition of recent works by Jepoy Almario, Tyago Almario, Gerry Goquico, Grae Martin Goquico, CJ Tanedo, Jonathan Tribiana, and Ramel Villas. 

The concept of the show is an allusion to the idiomatic expression “beyond the pale,” which means “outside the bounds of acceptable behavior.”

Take a look at the Gerry Goquico’s work titled “Dejavu Triptych.” A French word meaning “already seen,” the three paintings are each a visual interpretation of the classic maxim or philosophy “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.”

CJ’s Tanedo’s hyper-realistic portrait of a girl deep in thought challenges the viewer to plumb the depths of her ruminations.

A Mother and Child painting by Jonathan Tribinia is likewise open to the viewer’s interpretation, ranging from the expected maternal affection or, at its extreme and unbounded horror, some such outrageous or bizarre reading suggestive of child abuse or a mother proffering her child for adoption.

Jepoy Almario reveals the weakness of character in the face of crippling adversity or personal crisis, succumbing to sheer helplessness.

The  contemporary issue of gossip is the subject of Tyago Almario, who strikes at the very heart of the matter with a bold image drawn from the expression “I’m all ears.”

The challenge comes with abstraction, such as the works of Grae Martin Gouico. Liberated from the figurative image, the works are literally a blank canvas upon which the viewer can essay the most introspective interpretation.

“Beyond the Pale” runs until Oct. 21 at Galerie Anna, on the 4th level, The Artwalk, Bldg. A, SM Megamall. For information, call 470-2511 or e-mail galerie.ana@yahoo.com.