Art and theater merge at Michelline Syjuco’s opening at Firma

MANILA, Philippines - Experimental sculptor and jewelry artist Michelline Syjuco recently unveiled “Theatre of the Mind,” her first solo exhibition for Firma at a cocktail party in Greenbelt 3.  The landmark venue of proprietors Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre was chockablock with art and fashion aficionados who marveled at the multi-awarded artist’s radical new creations of art to wear. 

Her much-talked-about “Yorick” bags of hand-carved skulls embellished with antique watch parts, prefabricated hardware, steel spikes and exotic gemstones were the stars of the show. With a sleek automotive paint finish, each Yorick came in its own stand with individual lighting and was firmly positioned to be admired as sculpture.

She had more intricate pieces in store in another vitrine that contained her Serpentor series: rings and pendants with snakes intertwined among exotic gems, all masterfully sculpted by the artist herself. There was an air of mystery about them that made them seem ancient yet contemporary at the same time.

The big surprise of the evening, however, were the sculpted crowns with names like “Crown for Babylon” and “Crown of Roses and Dragon Claws.”

Just when the frenzy over adornments was reaching maddening levels, a clarion call came for the art performance of Michelline’s sister Beatrix Syjuco, entitled “Someday, Always.” Their mother, Jean-Marie Syjuco, noted pioneering performance artist herself, watched proudly while other guests were in awe of what was unfolding before their eyes.