MS.INTERPRETATION (solo)

OVERVIEW

EXHIBITION SYNOPSIS

Fabrik Contemporary Art is very proud to present a rst solo presentation of 21 sculptural works by Filipino artist Daniel dela Cruz.

Entitled “Ms.Interpretation” dela Cruz’s ninth solo exhibition aims to depict his lighthearted view on his favorite subject; women. Dela Cruz’s most compelling inspiration as an artist. In “Ms.Interpretation” he seeks captures the ethereal and profound qualities of women by transforming them into works of art that evoke energy and repose, charm and beauty, and the perpetual course of discovery which is part and parcel of guring out the “woman”.

Born in 1966 in Metro Manila, the young dela Cruz was expected to study Law or Medicine — disciplines that were highly regarded by earlier generations which considered the pursuit of art as a frivolous vocation. But after earning his degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines, dela Cruz pursued his love for the arts. He started as a commercial product designer and was equally　regarded for his undaunted use of diverse materials. Dela Cruz relates, “At that point, I was already exposed to a lot of materials such as wood, ceramics and resin because of the nature of my profession. I realized, however, that I did not want to work with materials I typically encounter in my line of work and are geared for mass production. So I chose to work with metal. One of the most dicult materials to work with in art, ensuring that each piece I make is one of a kind”.

Each piece is individually and painstakingly made by hand from small strips of brass and other metals, using multiple working techniques of hammering, welding, soldering and jewelry making techniques to come up with sculptures unlike any other.

Dela Cruz unveiled his rst one-man exhibit on August 18, 2007 at the Glass Wing of the Ayala Museum. “Kandungan: A Tribute to Women in Our Lives” featured hand-carved and hand-formed sculptures in brass, copper and lead.

In just a period of six months, he held court at the Artistspace of the Ayala Museum when he unveiled his third one-man exhibit. Entitled “Himig”, the 25-piece exhibit showed dela Cruz returning to his favorite subject—full-figured women, this time depicted as instruments and creatures of combined grace and strength. More acclaim from international art connoisseurs followed when dela Cruz exhibited in Gallerie Joaquin Singapore. “Breath and Balance” showed the artist’s full mastery of his medium with sculptures that depict breathtaking equilibrium and movement by stretching the limits of metal. He has since been presenting solo exhibitions and been active with group exhibitions in Manila. Most recently in September of 2011 he was part of the Philippine delegation to the 26th Asian International Art Exhibition held in Seoul Korea.