Galerie Anna presents “Alamat,”a solo exhibition by Raymond Kawataki Go, which opens on March 30. The art of Raymond Kawataki Go can be characterized as one of seething anger and intense hatred and bitterness over the country’s colonial history, which bred social injustice and economic poverty, persisting till today but under a totally new ruler, who by the most wounding irony, is a fellow countryman. Starting from the Spanish conquista, through American colonization, down to contemporary times, Kawataki Go rails against the abusive use of power and the arrogance of leaders, of whatever race, color, or creed, thus breeding corruption, inequality, and spiralling poverty. Regarding his art as a sharp weapon of expression, Kawataki Go wields it deftly through the visual aplomb of Pop and Surreal images, for the determined purpose of eviscerating past and present leaders. A native of Marinduque, the artist admits to the influence of his hometown’s famous Lenten festival, the Moriones, where masks are worn to symbolize the Roman centurions in pursuit of Longinus, who pierced the side of the Christ with a lance. Kawataki Go’s themes range from politics and religion to environment and social structure, providing a visual experience and catharsis for the repressed and unexpressed sentiment of the Filipino public. “Alamat” is on view until April 12.
Galerie Anna is at the 4/F., The Artwalk, Bldg. A, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call tel no: (02) 471-2511.