Perspective

Ida Robles

October 1 to 31, 2019

Makati Shangrila
Manila

LESSONS IN THE ART OF LIFE
By Cid Reyes

Contemporary art has a predatory quality, a viciousness never before seen or experienced in recent history. Plunged in the existentialist anguish and despair of modern man, contemporary art strives, and prides itself, on reflecting what it perceives to be the true, essential nature of humanity. To be sure, art history has been assiduous in reminding us of our sense of alienation and despair. Recall only the iconic work of Edward Munch, The Scream or the suggested mutilation in the works of Francis Bacon. Even earlier, in the 17th century, the Spanish painter Goya depicted a gruesome scene of cannibalism: Saturn Devouring His Son. But never, however, has the amplitude of horrific images so relentlessly raised at full-throttle decibels than in our century.

On the other hand, there are artists who prefer to look at Life from a positive perspective. While recognizing that Life is not always sunshine and roses, we can take the higher road of optimism and positivity, focusing on the goodness of man, allowing us to experience a more joyful existence while celebrating the values that pay tribute to the dignity and nobility of humanity. Whether in portraits, still lifes, landscapes, these artists have remained faithful to their repertory of themes.
Allied with this breed of artists who are bullish, buoyant, and spirited for the goodness of man is the Filipina Ida Robles. Fresh from her recent solo show where she debuted with her own distinctive style and classic themes, Robles follows suit with another cache of works riding on the theme of perspective. As in drawing, perspective gives the appearance of depth and distance. Transposed into everyday life, perspective presents a sensible, even cheery and hopeful, approach to the way we conduct ourselves.. Essentially, of course, perspective must perforce emanate from within the person, no matter the bitter struggle to achieve a more bright-eyed, more sanguine view of life.

Regard Ida Robles then as a “Life Coach” – using her art, with their visible and piquant visuals – to prick at the conscience of us all who have been derailed along the way by all manner of vices. In “Solitude,” Robles makes us realize that there is a distinction between the quiet joy of solitude, an oasis of space from the noise and distraction of the world, and the toxic presence of emotional vampires in our midst – compare that with the self-pitying and pathetic wallowing in the quagmire of loneliness. Certainly, an abyss exists between those two states of Self.

In “Lady in Waiting,” the artist makes us aware that things, events, or indeed, people, happen in our lives for a reason – and at the right time. The message seems to be addressed to those amongst us who ask “Lord, give me patience – now!” But the English poet John Milton had already earlier invoked: “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

Adverting to the show’s title is “Fly High” which makes use of the bird metaphor, evocative of freedom that allows man to reach heights – of relationship and career – and thus gaining a perspective of distance and depth. Another metaphor, the mask, serves to remind that the true Self must be allowed to emerge, not stifled by fear or insecurity. And in an honest look at Filipino womanhood, we see that she has indeed come a long way. From being a mere wallflower, she has bloomed to her true potential. From being a “trophy wife,” she can bring her own corporate trophy home. Once silenced and voiceless, she has become the eloquent spokesperson of her generation.

Addressing these issues with candor and humor, to all of us drowning in our own self-inflicted sorrows and imagined miseries, Ida Robles throws us all the lifeboats we need.