The Fe(male) Gaze

Saturday, September 26, 2015
at 6:00pm

Cevio Art Haus
60 San Isidro St., Bgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Philippines

THE FE(MALE) GAZE
Featuring the works of
Den Chua, Ayem Dzen, and Isobel Francisco

Throughout a history dominated by male artists, women have been depicted in every way, shape, and form across all conceivable mediums. The secrets of her body have been revealed with its every nook and cranny fleshed out and put on display. This has been established as a norm, a mere reflection of a male-dominated society’s endless scrutiny of the female figure. This show wishes to challenge these standard behaviors.

THE FE(MALE) GAZE offers a reversal of roles. The exhibit embraces the female perspective and allows its unique gaze to take center stage. Featuring the visual musings of a trinity of female artists who have taken it upon themselves to observe and dissect the male form, the collection offers striking representations of masculine icons drawn to reflect each artist’s idea of the male presence. The artists collectively provide a window to the female psyche through by imbibing male figures with new dimensions shaped according to their individual perspectives and experiences.

Dzen describes her works as a series “decoding Adam”. She offers figures marked by typically masculine gestures with portions of the anatomy cut out and replaced with symbols to signify weakness or strength. Den Chua’s emotionally-charged pieces seek to enable men to reveal emotions they are not often given the freedom to express. Isobel Francisco portrays men as prey, im opposition to the archetypal predators that society has shaped them to be. With a sympathetic eye, she throws the spotlight on men who can be soft and subdued, men who can bleed, and be victims of the patriarchy.

Offering three distinct female perspectives, this show is a humble attempt to initiate action towards the existing issue of power struggles and provide a positive platform for gender discourse.

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For inquiries and previews, please contact Cevio Art Haus at cevioarthaus@gmail.com or through Mr. Rodel Jacintos.