THOMASIAN father-and-son artists Fil Delacruz and Janos Delacruz reflected on time, identity and their individual artistic paths in a joint exhibition that opened in August at Art Camp in Makati.
Fil explored the passage of time and the value of leaving a legacy in “Ephemeral & Eternal,” while Janos examined life’s complexities and injustices in “Quiet Fragments.” The two are advertising arts alumni.
Having shared exhibition spaces several times, Fil acknowledged that he and his son inevitably influence each other as they see their works take shape, but stressed that Janos must develop his own artistic identity.
“I don’t impose the influences. You just let it be. The painting should be [a] mirror of the artist’s soul. He has his own life, philosophy, [and] belief. The biggest part of influence is the philosophy. He should develop his own,” Fil told the Varsitarian.
Janos said sharing an exhibition with his father remained special because his passion for art began with Fil’s teachings, even as he sought to establish a voice of his own.
“Pero it doesn’t diminish the fact na it’s special kasi I’m able to have my own voice, na if I have a show with him, I want my work to be judged according to its own merit,” Janos said.
(But it doesn’t diminish the fact that it’s special because I’m able to have my own voice. If I have a show with him, I want my work to be judged according to its own merit.)
For Janos, exhibiting alongside Fil was no longer simply a matter of being known as an artist’s son.
He described himself primarily as a “storyteller” who uses visual art to convey his interpretations of his life and surroundings rather than simply as a painter.
“So when I make a painting, my goal is never to just create pretty pictures. My goal is to tell what is happening in society, [and] in my life,” Janos said.
“It’s autobiographical. It’s an ongoing biography—every exhibition represents a specific point in my journey,” he added.
“Quiet Fragments” reflects Janos’ life and continuing artistic journey, juxtaposing the desire for an ideal life with moments of gloom and despair that can also yield glimpses of hope.
For Fil, “Ephemeral & Eternal” reflects his journey as an artist and his view of time as transient. Most of his works are oil on canvas and employ surrealism to bring together elements such as flowers, butterflies, wind and air.
“I have a lot of ideas in mind. And I don’t think I can finish all of them with so little time. So, the more I realize now that I have to spend my time wisely, I have to think of all my priorities. Because as an artist, before I go, I’d like to leave a legacy,” Fil said.
Discipline plays a central role in his practice, as he believes artists cannot depend on inspiration, which he said “comes once in a blue moon.”
For Fil, time may be both ephemeral and eternal, but the ideas and values an artist leaves behind can endure.
He also emphasized the role of the subconscious in his practice, preferring to allow viewers to interpret his works freely regardless of the emotions they evoke.
“The worst thing that could happen is you ignore it. Because to me, painting is a visual experience. Kung wala kang na-experience doon, failure ‘yung painting ko,” he said.
(The worst thing that could happen is you ignore it. Because to me, painting is a visual experience. If you did not experience anything from it, my painting is a failure.)
Janos is known for dreamlike illustrations with intricate color palettes, while Fil is acclaimed for his printmaking, mezzotint and use of indigenous symbolism.
“Ephemeral & Eternal” and “Quiet Fragments” ran from Aug. 8 to 20. Rhamiel Mae T. Vicente
