Butch Payawan
October 13, 2018
Art Underground
814 Balagtas St., Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyung City
TRUTH BEHIND THE LIES
Text by: Francis G. Pallarco
Are we seeing only what our mind wants to perceive and beyond what is really the truth?
Human nature taken into consideration, could it be that we’re hardwired to be primarily judgmental based on what we perceive?
While the left side of our brain struggles to be rational and see logic in everything, there’s an almost invisible line that separates between good and evil, black and white, angels and demons, fantasy and reality.
As such, it begs the question, how do we know exactly what we’re really seeing right in front of us?
Could it be what it really is, or is it just cleverly cloaked to conceal something totally different from what others view it to be.
If that moves you to pause and wonder for a moment, that’s exactly what noted artist Butch Payawal is aiming for in his latest series of art works that strongly hinge on how we perceive and interpret what we see as he explains:
“I would like to demystify the wrong connotation that if we see horns, we immediately associate it with the devil and evil spirits which I might admit we all think of that way.”
“I placed dragon heads to cupids because we really don’t know what is beautiful. The perception that what is only beautiful to you may not be as beautiful inside. After thinking very hard, does the devil really look like monsters and beasts or a beautiful creature as man thinks it can be?”
That’s just one of the opposing and thought-provoking surreal themes that should create a more accurate context to think about.
Finding out the truth stands as the ultimate goal in our humanly existence that can be compared to two formidable opponents where only one can prevail.
In our constant search for the truth and the desire to gain a deeper understanding of one’s self, our psyche is unconsciously working as it assesses, measures, regulates, and adjusts.
Art in all its various forms can be seen and interpreted in a myriad of ways, but it’s really all about visually presenting the truth.
In the end, all the lies will be shattered and the truth shall be revealed. Something that makes for better art, don’t you think?
