A Thousandfold

The Senbazuru, the art of folding a thousand paper cranes, holds a multitude of philanthropic beliefs in Japanese tradition, signifying happiness, loyalty, and strength, and is believed to fulfill the folder’s wish. The crane itself is an auspicious creature in the country’s folklore, presumed to have lived for a thousand years. Enamored with this tradition, Jo Balbarona reignites this practice through striking visuals of dynamic style and cultural substance, staging a vivacious scene where the paper cranes fly free, akin to the true spirit of the creature.

“A Thousandfold” features Balbarona’s collection of stylized paper cranes, showcased in a grandiose assembly of colors, patterns, and textures, and staged in a kaleidoscopic terrain in an attempt to replicate a body of cloud, water, or mountain. With this, the paper cranes breathe vibrant life onto the canvas, meant to fly and roam around the space they inhabit, suspended in ideal moments where every detail is perfectly captured.

Meant to serve as an homage and a symbol of the Senbazuru, the exhibit also embodies a part of life in all its ebbs and flows, with every movement of the paper crane animated – every peak and valley displayed. With this in mind, the works are a humble reminder of life’s fragility, not as a weakness but as a power. Fold by fold, a paper crane can fly to its peak yet still descend, representing the cycle of existence where soaring moments of triumph and gentle descents of introspection are intertwined with the true nature of human experience.

Joan Antonio Balbarona (b.1977) is a self-taught artist from Hindang, Leyte. She studied Food Science and Technology at UP Los Baños. Joan has worked as a 3D animator and video editor and now is a full-time artist. In 2013, she had the chance to study at the Art Students League of New York, under the tutelage of the well-known abstractionist Ronnie Landfield. She was one of the finalists in the non-representational category in the 2017 GSIS national art competition for her abstract “Ang Pagtangis ng mga Ibong Pipit”. She was also a finalist in the 2017 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence for her sculpture entitled “The Colony”.

To date, Balbarona has held multiple, well-received solo and group exhibitions around the country. She was on the front cover of Art Plus Magazine’s Issue 83, as well as a collaborating artist in Galerie Joaquin Collective’s exclusive merchandise such as watches, art prints, and tote bags.

“A Thousandfold” by Jo Balbarona will run from March 5 – 14, 2024, with the Artist Reception on March 6, Wednesday at 5 PM. 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 gallerianicolasgreenbelt@gmail.com.

“Inanimate Inspirations” by Xander Calceta will be on view from April 11-22, 2024 with an Artist Meet and Greet on April 14, 3-5 pm at Galleria Nicolas Alabang Town Center. Galleria Nicolas Alabang Town Center is located at the Ground Floor Entrance, Alabang Town Center, Alabang-Zapote Rd., Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City. For inquiries, contact +639176436282 or email gallerianicolasatc@gmail.com.