Twenty-somethings and the dreamland fixation

What’s up with this generation of artists  artists like you  and this profound fascination with the dreamscape?” I ask Celina de Guzman, another talented 20-something launching a solo art show in the hip urban scene of upper Manila. It seems that within this niche underground art circle, ethereal illustrations with delicate subjects have been a recurring theme.

Celina, 23, is a six-year vegetarian and holds an executive creative director title (in creative speak, this means “boss”) at Trifecta Visual Communications. Online, she is most known as the illustrator Celdee. She loves her goldfish friends and bakes soft batch cookies for a line called Sweetleaf.

“Cold Milk Culprits” is her first solo exhibit. Made heavily with acrylic and graphite, Celdee illustrates what it is like to be in the “confines of the middle of awake and asleep.”

Her work is a delight to look at. Bright washes of neon pink disguise the scrawny fine wisps that outline her peculiar figures. They seem to take the form of humans, but upon closer gaze, we cannot be sure. There are details that reveal a lot more than the painting suggests at first blush. Goldfish are constant figures in the works, so are details of intricate patterns. There are parts that tell more drawn-out stories, like a narrative is hidden somewhere in the portraits of these fantastical figures in mystical situations.

Celdee answers why this generation may have a fascination with the dreamscape, and talks about how her works tell a more personal story of herself, like the highest form of self-expression.

YOUNG STAR: What is your first show all about?

CELINA DE GUZMAN: “Cold Milk Culprits” is a whirlwind of emotions. Basically, the concept of the show is heavily concentrated on the idea of lucid dreaming, taking pent-up emotions, and allowing these day-kept inhibitions to run mad in dream-spaces. I’m somewhat emotionally invested in the theme. It tackles bits and pieces of my personal life. I don’t know, it may be a bit narcissistic, but this concept felt appropriate for my first solo show. An intimate type of introduction: honest, exposed.

How did you come up with the subjects of your work?

Everything I create is driven by emotion; I’ve noticed that inspiration comes in sharp waves. The best pieces are usually done after breakdowns, or during periods of pure bliss, anything involving heightened emotions.

I made a point to create parallelism between the set of artworks and recurring dreams. While holding different scenarios and emotions, the goal is to have each piece flawlessly deliver their own stories while at the same time expressing one main emotion — various aspects and intensities of longing towards the audience. 

Our generation of artists seems to have this fascination with the “dream-space.” Why do you think this is so? Is it the theme per se or the style that’s so enticing?

I feel that this generation enters the theme of dreaming for two reasons: to establish an art style, perhaps incorporate elements of surrealism and dreaminess into their pieces; and to visually deliver the inexpressible, and subconscious mind.

Speaking generally, the idea of playing around a dreamscape gives artists a greater sense of freedom, a retreat from bland realities. It’s an alternate reality, which a great percentage of young adults crave.

What piece in your first show is closest to you?

“Cold Milk Culprits.” Being the first of the nine paintings of the show, the piece is a self-portrait. There may be a hint of vanity here, but there’s a great amount of emotional attachment to the piece — she basically embodies all emotions expressed by her other sisters.

Who or what are your inspirations?

Egon Schiele, The Glasgow Four, Miss Van, Conrad Roset, Yoshitomo Nara, Stephane Tartelin, Hikari Shimoda, Camille Rose Garcia, Angie Wang — to name a few — and love (and the lack of it). Ah, and my goldfish. Such therapeutic beauts!

What do you hope your art will become in the future? Is there any specific project in mind that you would love to do?

I’ve been reading a lot of graphic novels lately, if there’s one thing I’d want to explore, it would have to be that. Perhaps a wordless novel, or a collaborative piece with a good writer. I just don’t like the idea of my art being limited to frames and paper.

Darn, back in 2011 though, I had this crazy plan of setting up a vinyl toy emporium. It’s shallow, yes, but the idea of having something drawn on paper translated into a figurine fascinated me. Maybe I’ll pursue that plan in the future?

What’s the secret to a good soft batch cookie?

Mmmm… this may be subjective, but based on experience, baking with a happy heart is the secret to tasty cookies.

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“Cold Milk Culprits” will exhibit on June 8, 2013, 8 p.m. at Heima Brixton. Music by No Rome, Idkids and Similar Objects.

Visit Celina de Guzman’s online portfolio at celdee.com.