Gian Miroe
May 20 – June 4, 2021
Secret Fresh Gallery
Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Ave, 1502 San Juan, Philippines
Through the Looking Glass
Human beings are programmed to form first impressions based on personal beliefs, and verbal, non-verbal and aesthetic cues. Science has established the power of first impressions and how they are formed even before we utter a single word. We judge and are being judged for our mannerisms, body language, appearance, and the likes. For something that is beyond our control, first impressions prove to be pivotal in how we present ourselves and perceive others.
It is precisely this vital glimpse of one’s humanity that inspires Gian Miroe’s 4th solo exhibition – Critical Descry. By fits and starts, the exhibition reveals stark contrasts between the cerebral and the irrational. The artist uses diverging elements to depict the inner workings of the mind, especially in areas of human judgment and self-portrayal. One can expect the uncanny, the disregarded, and the unconventional. The perplexing idea of disorder, coupled with the mix of dark and vibrant hues, elicits a discussion and inspires the audience to dig deep into the unconscious mind for self-awareness. The collection of paintings under Critical Descry is reminiscent of the Anton Chekov quote: “We all have too many wheels, screws, and valves to judge each other on first impressions or one or two pointers. I don’t understand you, you don’t understand me, and we don’t understand ourselves.”
The most fundamental way of forming impressions through sights and sounds, and how these are captured at the inception that ultimately affects how we forge ties with one another are depicted in his works “So Many Teeth Made For Lies Work” and “So Many Eyes Made For Blind Work”. In his creation “Sentimental Value”, one can see a sullen figure holding on to a disjointed hand, perhaps in a state of inexplicable stupor. This illustrates the tenet that we are what we value, and society forms their conjecture on how we cling to the ones that matter the most even when these are lost and void.
The artist also reflects on how humans extend themselves to society for the sake of belongingness, at the expense of having uncountable facets of a myriad of personalities and faces, which is best exemplified by his works “Feel Me, Fill Me”, “We Are in the Same Roots”, and “Doing Weekly Service for My Daily Routine”. To satisfy the human need for belongingness, some people rely on the validation of others for their reprieve and respite. Some put on their best grin-and-bear-it smiles and go on living wearing different masks or facades to conceal the rotten parts, keep people around, and change the people’s impression. In “I’m Pretty Sure I’ll Never Hurt You”, Miroe emphasizes that only when we delve into one’s unshielded and honest soul do we realize the juxtaposition of the true self vis-à-vis the social self. Sometimes, we embrace the thorns we have unmasked from other people without vengeance or strife, getting hurt along in the process.
Human beings are complex and ever changing. There are good souls and there are some who have simply lost their way or have been led astray. This does not change the fact that we are souls of all walks, treading along uncertain paths. Gian Miroe conveys his message in the absence of words and leaves the audience with questions on self-introspection – how people see us and how we see people. After all, first impressions are not last impressions.
– Rhoda Baltazar
