The Moment of Eternal Surrender

The world is too diverse to be under the light of so many perspectives. Today, humanity has evolved into a large body of separate but ever-growing identities--culturally, socially, politically, and psychologically. Various events have influenced the core of human decision-making, led by the subconscious grounded on basic instincts emanating either from physiological or emotional sources. Humanity's experiences enhance these throughout different courses of life. In Penuliar’s view, the progression of life is what can be learned from the past, anchored in the present, and improved on in the future. Humanity holds on to experience just as tightly as how they do with life. The growth of human life and behavior are enhanced because of experience. The diversity of the world is congruent with man's unparalleled power to move on. And it is because of this that one fundamental concept stands out—acceptance.

In hyperrealist painter Jaspher Penuliar's latest exhibition, he embraces the nuances of the human heart when it comes to the idea of acceptance. "My paintings are based on the reality of our need for acceptance," he quips. Entitled The Moment of Eternal Surrender, the exhibit is anchored on man’s fully accepting what has happened and is bound to happen. The paintings here magnificently express the dichotomy between acceptance and rejection/resistance.

Significantly peppered with symbolisms, Penuliar emphasizes that acceptance comes in many forms. Using perhaps one of the most compelling and difficult events that test an individual's will to accept, he aptly wraps the idea of death as a recurring element through the presence of mummification. "[It's] like a practice that says we cannot fully let go of the death of those who are dear to us. Mummification seems like a 'delusion' of letting them live again."

Two other prominent elements also appear in several of his works--eggshells and katanas. These two are his representations of resistance and rejection. The eggshells, according to him, signify the fragility of choosing to go out of our comfort zone. Being sheltered manifests the idea of comfort, hence, the ease of accepting how things are. However, discomfort is one of the primary reasons for rejection, as seen in his subjects' grotesque positions. The katana, on the other hand, is his symbol for resistance. "It's our way of fighting off the things we choose not to accept," the artist shares." It's our aide in getting through challenges." Furthermore, Penuliar's depth in concept harmonizes with his superb technical skills. With masterful renderings that give off an undeniable contemporary stamina and accurate personifications.

Penuliar was born October 1, 1980. He studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, majoring in painting. Staying in his hometown of Laguna, he explores and presents his usual perspectives of humanity trapped by socio-cultural conventions and mores. Yet, in his paintings, Penuliar presents a vision of hope and deliverance bathing his forms with a promising light source as if telling his viewers that in spite of the stark images he paints on canvas that enlightenment and freedom are just on the horizon.

The Moment of Eternal Surrender will be exhibited in the Galleria Nicolas booth, booth C7 at ManilART in SMX Aura, BGC, Taguig City from Thursday, 12 October to Sunday, 15 October 2017. For more information, please call (632) 6250273.