Reformations

The concept of totems is culled from religious tribes, clans, and family lineages around the world – serving as an emblem that signifies a close relationship with humans, animals and natural objects. This is where the term ‘spirit animal’ is also derived from, pertaining to a spiritual connection between humans and animals. Jerry Morada has always been inspired by these concepts, applying facets of himself and his beliefs in different variations of creative freedom.

His latest exhibit “Reformations” displays a transition from concept to depiction, emotion to expression, and symbols to tangible objects of perception. Morada’s ideas of strength, virtue, and sanctity are reformed into sculptures made of pure marble, vibrantly lustrous in every way, playfully amusing yet remaining meaningful to the viewer. The bull, the artist’s signature ‘spirit animal’, returns with transformed formations and depictions anew, much so with his symbolistic renditions of the rabbit, the mother and child, and the bird.

Keeping these in mind, Jerry Morada’s oeuvre continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing artistic landscape. His emblematic sculptures persist to create a metaphysical relation to us perceivers – creating a dialogue that thrives on our thoughts and sentiments. Given that each of us has our own version of a totem or spirit animal, Morada provides these illustrations as a means to reflect on our own existence and spiritual connection with the world.

Jerry Morada (b.1979) graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts and made a name for himself as an emerging contemporary artist. He began his career working as an artist for Probe Productions, Inc., producer of the award-winning "Probe Team". He is among the founders of the Guevarra Group together with Edwin Tres Reyes, Gig de Pio, and Dominic Rubio. Morada took part in Art Expo Malaysia 2009 under Galerie Joaquin’s booth. In 2014, he won the GSIS Prize in Sculpture.

To date, Jerry Morada has always sought to fuse elements of abstraction and figuration in an engrossing configuration of texture, color and composition in his body of work.

“Reformations” by Jerry Morada will be on view from May 14 - 27, 2023. Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt is located at 3F, Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati City. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas at +63 936 225 1226 or email at gallerianicolasgreenbelt@gmail.com.