“Deus ex Machina” (/ˌdeɪəs ɛks ˈmækɪnə, – ˈmɑːk-/ DAY-əs ex-MA(H)K-in-ə) is defined as a person or machine that is introduced into a situation unexpectedly and provides a welcome or contrived solution to an apparently insoluble difficulty.
Cultures emerge, become obsolete, and are replaced by new ones. With the vanishing of cultures, some people are displaced and destroyed. One might ask, do we really believe that “new technologies” will change anything concerning our existential dilemma, our human condition? And even if we were able to effect a change in the content of written or created works would this change anything in relation to the domination of analytical knowledge over intuitive knowledge?
Visual artists Dominic Rubio and Ram Mallari Jr. see that our commitment to progress stems from our fascination with the content of our consciousness. Despite appearances, humans’ current obsession for changing the forms in which we access culture is but a manifestation of this fascination. The works depict the idea that there is an exterior to the intellect. Rubio and Mallari want to examine thinking, not only “what” we think, but “that” we think.
The undercurrent of the exhibit is an appeal to the common humanity and shared universal human values across all timelines. Through the symbiotic artistic expression of the two artists, the exhibit hopes to reach beyond each individual’s genre and motivate a change in the conception of art as single artists evolving into an entirely new artistic statement by working together. The works aim to appeal to the universal soul of the human condition, that which is within each of us and hopefully will transcend time and geographical space.
Dominic Rubio is known for his distinct aesthetic identity — The archaic – Filipiniana characters, and how they come in focus as observed purely on everyday life. His search for cultural identity and its meaning, position, and relevance in the modern world is also a kind of extended exploration for a place of an individual with its heritage being challenged by the continuous evolution of its cultural identity.
Mario “Ram” Mallari Jr. is considered one of the country’s most exciting and fast-rising sculptors. He earned a reputation as a great innovator in the field of “reclaimed sculpture”, coming to prominence in 2011 with his retro-futuristic works with intricate metalwork techniques. His resulting metal sculptures range from watchtowers, chess pieces, clocks, steam and motor vehicles, zeppelins, ships, to reimagined animals and pop icons.
“Deus ex Machina”, by Dominic Rubio and Ram Mallari Jr., will run from November 10 – 19, 2020 at Galerie Joaquin UP Town Center located at 2/F Phase 2 U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. For more information, contact (+63)2 8247 1109 or email galeriejoaquin@gmail.com.
