DRAWING inspiration from the unpredictability of life, a Thomasian artist showcased artworks shaped like card suits in a solo exhibit titled “Balasa,” which opened on Nov. 23 at the Art Elaan in Festival Mall, Alabang.
Advertising arts alumnus Janos Delacruz delved into life’s impermanence in the exhibit, whose title translates to “shuffle” or the act of mixing playing cards.
Delacruz explored this concept to illustrate life’s uncertain trajectory, where plans seemingly set in stone are upended by unforeseen events. For him, only life’s beginning and end are fixed, while everything in between is left to chance.
“We have a plan, but through the course of a story of life, there will be changes, there will be a little bit of changes,” Delacruz told the Varsitarian. “Each artwork represents the idea of change. It’s not something to fear, but it’s something to look forward to.”
“In this game of chance, which is life — the gamble of life — sometimes, we automatically see the positives. Sometimes, we lose. But at the end of the day, it helps us grow as a man, as a person.”
Delacruz described his approach as a “surreal biography of life.” In “Balasa,” he showcased his signature maximalist printmaking style with vivid hues, masking the deeper, more somber meanings.
“Underneath each of my artworks, I try to have a more serious, more noir meaning.”
Among the pieces highlighting this theme is “Punla,” a 48×36-in. acrylic on a diamond-shaped canvas.
Delacruz described this piece as depicting someone “trying to be responsible” during the transition to adulthood. It also depicts the responsibility of parenthood, represented by a slit in the center, evoking childbirth and transformation.
“Ilaw” takes the form of the club suit and features a man with iconography resembling Jesus, including nails in his hands, a crown, and a heart lit with flames akin to the Sacred Heart.
Another piece, “What Now, my Love,” incorporates a heart-shaped design with two characters on opposite sides, joined by another heart in the center, creating an almost inception-like effect.
Delacruz completes the four card suits with “Panata,” a 48×36-in. work resembling the spade.
To immerse audiences further, Delacruz painted over mirrors in the exhibit area, encouraging viewers to feel like they form part of the artwork instead of passive observers.
“The idea is when you’re in my show and you take a photo of the exhibition, when you look here [in the mirrors], you’re part of the painting,” Delacruz said. “Underneath all the colors, underneath all the circular patterns, pretty neon designs, is actually a mirror.”
Delacruz’s “Balasa” exhibit will run until Dec. 8.
