Cabinets & Curiosities
SOLO EXHIBITION BY
Rai Cruz
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2020 was unlike any other; it will be etched in our collective memory as a time of unprecedented challenges. A pandemic swept across the globe, disrupting lives, economies, and societies in ways we never imagined. A quarantine was implemented, and there was a wave of uncertainty. There was separation, anxiety, and loss.
During the artist’s isolation, the exploration of woodworking and carpentry became, to a certain degree, therapy for the artist. This became an opportunity to reflect on ideas about fear, personal growth, and resilience. In addition to this, a question surfaced about the relevance and function of contemporary visual art in a third-world context plagued by a virus. “Cabinets and Curiosities” is a recollection of the artist’s experiences, these are then displayed as images on multiple layers of wood assembled and mounted on small cabinets, which the artist made himself.
The fear of getting sick, the unknown nature of the virus, and the potential for serious illness or death were major sources of fear for many. Compounded by the constant changing situation and lack of clear answers, these fueled fear and unease about the future. “Sometimes it Feels Like Drowning” is the feeling of getting overwhelmed by the anxious thoughts.
During long queues in groceries, “Pecking Order: Waiting for My Turn” the image of an anthropomorphized cat casually sipping his drink is the artist, thoughts wandering, contemplating about his position in a society wherein some are more favored. During the uncertainty of the times, the artist wondered, will there still be opportunities? Is art-making really essential ? – the same way as food and medicine? Perhaps these questions will linger beyond the extent of the pandemic.
The pandemic’s impact on internet usage is undeniable. It highlighted the internet’s power to connect people, facilitate work and education, and provide much-needed entertainment. However, there is a dark side to this, “Many Eyes Yet Blind” are the virtual eyes, a monstrous amalgamated beast spawned from the warped reality of social media.
The echo of paths not taken, the ache of chances missed – that is regret. “Looking into the Past, Closed Eyes for the Present” and “Searching for Lost Things” are ponderings of past decisions, which in truth are – irrelevant because those things are already in the past. Despite this, it can still be a compass that can guide us and hopefully, transform us to be better.
“Hauntings and Superstitions” shows that the lack of reliable information can take form as wraiths, whispering false truths and misinformation behind our ears. In our desire to rid ourselves of such ghosts, we tend seek help from any source available. Logic takes a backseat, as we sometimes cling to quick and easy measures, due to desperation.
During those challenging times it can be difficult to find the spark to fuel motivation. “Fleeting Flame” is about finding a small ember that could hopefully ignite the passion to create. It can be just a simple inspiration but once captured, one must fan the flames and never let the fire flicker out. This drive continues in “Fire Breath”, wherein it is about moving forward with a revitalized burning spirit to push through. To keep it alive – is to proceed with practice, dedication, and willingness to learn and grow.
Often perceived as weakness, yet paradoxically, the very root from which true growth blossoms is – forgiveness. Just as an octopus can regenerate, “Growing Lost Limbs” is the conscious decision to acknowledge the pain, understand the context, and choose to move forward with an open heart. The quarantine allowed many people to reconnect and reassess current and past relationships.
“Intermittent Metamorphosis” is the realization that the nature of growth and progress is not necessarily a straight line, rather, more often it is curved, littered with challenges and unexpected hurdles. Also in, “Loyal to a Painful Bloom” shows that growth can be painful, and the commitment to an arduous process can be rewarding. This is apparent in all of the works, all are assembled of individually hand cut wood, and then painted individually.
Cabinet doors, swinging open and shut, holds unexpected stories. Each is a chamber that holds an experience, emotion, or memory waiting to be explored. The search for a semblance of order, cabinets are neatly stacked with responsibilities, routines, and carefully curated dreams. Some doors creak open cautiously, revealing carefully preserved cherished memories. Perhaps, in the end, some doors stand resolute, because some experiences are best permanently tucked away – as nothing but mere curiosities.
Rai Cru’z practice mainly draws inspiration from coalesced observations and experiences of urban living conditions. The artist then transforms and synthesizes those encountered images by depicting his subject matter as amalgams of mechanical and organic materials. The artist then paints on multiple layers of cut wood using a variety media such as: acrylic, graphite and oil colors. The assembled layers of cut wood aims to visually represent several concepts. Some of these are: weathered paint on city walls, formation of our identity crafted from multiple influences, the functionality of art in a third world context, the nuance of how we perceive and interpret ideas in an environment wherein we constantly encounter various sources of information. His contemporary art practice is the utilization of a variety of media on functional art objects. These objects are drawings and paintings on layers of cut wood. He is also develops projects and installation of art pieces in public spaces
