BITE THE BULLET

To bite the bullet means to confront inevitable struggle. Historically, biting the bullet was done in a literal sense–patients in the battlefield received surgical procedures without anesthesia and had to bite a bullet in between their teeth as the only way of coping with the tremendous pain. Today, we say the phrase as a means to toughen up to do what is necessary.

In this exhibit, some of the pieces may come as deceiving. We often do not associate bright and flashy colors, whimsical subjects, and peculiar shapes to what we know of struggle. But behind each work is the painstaking journey of making art; challenges that may be personal to each individual artist, but also transcends into a familiar creation process–tumultuous, demanding, soul-baring–that all painters can find solidarity in.

The question begs to be asked: why create art if it costs so much? To these artists, the answer is simple: because the alternative is not an option. Expression is the only way.

The exhibit, apart from focusing the spotlight on the first and second generations of Pop Surrealists, also serves testament to the artists’ sacrifices. The call to create does not end when a painting is finished. Continue in the pursuit of art. Brave towards your passion. Bite the bullet.