Diverse

May 4 – 17, 2022

White Walls Gallery
Warehouse 12A La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roxes Ave 1233 Makati, Philippines

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DIVERSE is a celebration of the artist’s hand—the distinct, personal mark of authorship evident in each brushstroke, color palette, form, and subject. One cannot always pinpoint why, but like handwriting, it is individual. Beyond the technique, the work of the hand reveals the mind and the heart; it pulls from one’s background and environment. It is borne from the intent—a synecdochic artist’s hand is the will of the artist visible in their work.

Strong in the conviction that everyone has something to say and an image to contribute, the 18 artists come together to create a community and share their stories. Each comes from different histories, orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and points in their lives—kids first discovering how to manipulate mediums on canvas, art school graduates, and even those in more advanced years only now dipping their toes into art. Whether schooled or unschooled, with different levels of training and education, they allow themselves to be vulnerable; they celebrate art that is primal, instinctive, and rooted in the need to create.

Ares Karen renders intense color into fiery sunsets in From a far. Anndigs’ Serena stares longingly toward the horizon. A man in a diving helmet is bathed in green and red light in Max Young’s cryptic illustration, Under the Sea. The patterns in Torn Russ’s sculptural painting Kanak Ha Banuwa is an ode to his hometown. From loose brushstrokes that are vibrant and emotive to the fine, tight lines that are studied and controlled, and from kids running free with their imaginations and using their favorite colors, to the more thoughtful and conceptual works grounded in history, the common denominator is the enthusiasm.
The landscape of today’s art world is incredibly selective. It is here, amidst a cluster of white cubes, that artist and curator Nasser Zulueta shares his vision of the gallery as an open space, with no barrier to entry. The show is not bound by any theme besides the diversity of stories; there is no need for superfluous qualifications. It asks only to make art. The show brings the artists forward into the space and brings the space out—to the people who do not usually participate in or engage with this setting. It is a small step toward again decentralizing art.

— Shireen Co

“Diverse” is a Group Exhibition curated by Nasser Zulueta. Participating artists include Anndigs, Ares Karen, Cath Ongteco, Comet Chase, Dayshaun Chang, Elwin Lyon, Joi Lee, Kayleigh So, Marian Gallo, Max Young, MJ De Jesus, N3y, Nasser Zulueta, Nathan Cheung, Seo Vinny, Serinne Reaport, Tantso and Tom Russ.