'By the time you read this, most people would have already failed their new year's resolutions. How does that make you feel?'

Faced with the futility of resolutions and the surge of concern for mental health, vMeme’s art exhibit “resolution ; retrograde” challenges the public’s perception on self-help and the artist’s identity. In addition to their paintings, exhibit curator Laura Abejo asked participating artists Abie Soroño, Chanis, Cholo Cardenas, Gab Hulleza, Grasha Non, Georgia Fallorina, Ikea Rizalon, Inha Park, Jinsol Lee, Julianne Ng, Kurt Arzaga, Linah Lovino, Maia San Diego, Mara Herrera, Nichole Fern, Nicole Conwi, Vien Valencia, Z Aquilizan, and ZIP to each write letters to their audience as captions for their work in the same spirit as artists such as Van Gogh corresponded with their loved ones to reflect upon their recent creations.

By writing letters to their audience by hand, the artist reaches out beyond the confines of social media and promotional jargon. Writing has been ever-present in the recovery process from mental afflictions. Iconic journal entries, letters, and essays have been made during times of difficult emotional turmoil. Still, rather than being the stereotypical “misunderstood artist,” the nineteen artists of “resolution ; retrograde” present themselves as empathetic, logical, and inquisitive personalities who want their audience to know that they are not alone in their struggles.

Visitors will be able to write letters in response to the exhibit throughout the show's run. Please follow this event page for the finalized schedules of mental health seminars, artist talks, and workshops to happen at the gallery space.

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The show opened on January 26, Saturday, 5:00pm at the 2F Commercenter, Filinvest Corp. City, Alabang. It was on-view until February 28, 2019.

 

View the catalog below: