5 Filipino artists imagine a world without humans

The five ‘Subterra’ artist, for posterity

“Subterra: The Untouched Earth” is an exhibit at Jude Tiotuico’s Industria at Greenbelt Residences, Makati City. It answers the question of what would transpire if you asked five renowned artists to create pieces that imagine a world bereft of humans—one where both flora and fauna enrich themselves and evolve without the blight of human intervention. It’s an intriguing premise, and one that these five artists eagerly explored, opening a portal to an alternative cosmos.

It is nature redefined, with forms that are alive, strange, luminous, and curiously evolved. From Jude’s lilies and Jinggoy Buensuceso’s carnivorous flora to Leeroy New’s tree of curiosities, Lilianna Manahan’s menagerie, and Olivia d’Aboville’s otherworldly corals (and these are my own descriptions), there’s so much to absorb, enjoy, and be visually stimulated by. Additionally, there are pieces done in collaboration with Kenneth Cobonpue and Ina Gaston.

Katya Angara with Jude Tiotuico

Lilianna Manahan and Olivia d’Aboville

Mutya and Jinggoy Buensuceso

Leeroy New adorning his tree

Jude Tiotuico and his lilies

One is rewarded upon entering this little universe created by the five artists. There’s something soothing and transcendental about the experience—even when the visual stimuli are both provocative and demanding. In fact, I would venture to say that it’s precisely this tension that makes the pieces come alive. You have until Oct. 31 to book your “journey!” — Philip Cu Unjieng

*****
Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph