Ataraxia, a Two-Man Show Featuring the Works of Richard Perez and Jebonbazat Galleria Nicolas Glorietta
Exhibit run: April 9 - 22, 2025
Text by Therese Atienza
In the symphony of life, humans often find themselves as the maestro, separate from the orchestra of the natural world. We’ve built cities that kiss the skies, developed technologies that yield to our desires, and shaped the environment to suit our ambitions. We’ve cultivated a belief that nature is merely an element for creation, that we stand apart from it. But for artists Richard Perez and Jebonbaz, nature is at the heart and soul of humanity–it awakens the core aspects of our existence, reminding us that we are part of a world already built for us.
From the title of the exhibition, Ataraxia is a Greek word rooted in ancient philosophy that means a state of serene calmness. The introspective oeuvres of Jebonbaz and Perez are a culmination of such, applying adept skill and technique to each masterful work.
Richard Perez’s interwoven threads exist in peaceful settings, forming a vibrant and enriched expression of flora through clusters of thread, held together by thick layers of paint. The artist utilizes this impressive technique to construct nature’s silhouettes in a way that is both complex and unified–a balancing act of tranquility and energy.
Notions of harmony, bravery, and adventure are reflected in the sunlit paintings of Jebonbaz. The sun’s palettes flush across the sea and the horizon, becoming an imagery of light and strength that is rooted in quaint silence. There lies a fortitude in being still, and Jebonbaz’s seascapes encourage the viewer to pause and breathe.
In essence, the paintings are an extension of the artists’ gentle musings, a display of their internal connection with land and sea: seeking connection, reflection, and unity with our natural surroundings.
Ataraxia, a two-man show featuring the works of Richard Perez and Jebonbaz, is on view at Galleria Nicolas Glorietta from April 9 to 22, 2025. The gallery is located on the 3rd Floor, Glorietta 4, Courtyard Drive, Ayala Center, Makati. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas at +63 917 534 3942, or email info@gallerianicolas.com.
