Of Dreams and Fantasies (Scenes from a Boudoir)

Boudoir, by definition, is a private room exclusively for women of the upper class in the 18th century – elegantly decorated for the use of sleeping, dressing, relaxing, and entertaining. As the years pass, it has evolved into somewhat of a cultural term, further linking its meaning to the beauty and essence of womanhood. Nowadays, boudoir can be considered as an art form – accentuating the intimacy and rawness of a woman’s physique.

For centuries, the art of boudoir has served its purpose as an emancipation for women; it is of liberal choice to use their bodies as a tableau for body positivity, confidence, and female energy. Xander Calceta delivers these notions for his latest exhibition titled “Of Dreams and Fantasies (Scenes from a Boudoir)”, highlighting the mesmerizing power and physicality of his subjects. Accompanied by his subjects are recurring objects and beings of natural life such as birds and butterflies. The artist intends to coincide the ideas of femininity and nature – coexisting the two concepts as well as to contrast and depict boundless representations of what it’s like to be a woman.

Calceta’s usage of butterflies depict a form of reflection for the subjects; the concept of metamorphosis is closely meaningful to the constant transformation and development to the core of a female. The divinity of a woman is an evergoing course of tenderness, bloom, and change, much like the sanctified concept of butterflies in modern and contemporary art. On the other hand, the birds in Calceta’s works suggest ideas of hope, freedom, and beauty of the subjects; a visual parallel for its viewers to ponder and appreciate the enthralling imagery.

Xander Calceta’s approach to his chosen medium of oil and acrylic paint is a blend of contemporary impressionism and traditional naturalism. Recently, Calceta explores other techniques and approaches like those of modernism by experimenting and combining classic art into modern to create a fusion. His art signature is X N D R, dropping the vowel letters of his name. The artist retains this signature for modern and fusion arts. However, in the classical approach of his works, he changes his art signature into a complete letter name of Xander.

Xander Calceta is a self-taught artist continuously exploring his practice since 2010, where he held his first solo exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. He was also an honorable mention at the 2012 GSIS Arts Competition; this further gained him multiple exhibitions where he showcased his art both locally and internationally. Calceta also teaches painting in private tutorials and workshops.

“Of Dreams and Fantasies (Scenes from a Boudoir)” by Xander Calceta will be on view from September 20 to October 2, 2022. Galleria Nicolas Manila Bay is located at 2F Filipino Village, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd., Paranaque. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas Manila Bay at +63 917 643 6282, or email gallerianicolasbayarea@gmail.com.