PUBLISHING and curatorial platform Comma and independent bookstore Kwago has invited several artists to participate in an exhibit and performance — called “Salamin” — that meditates on the ongoing literary exhibition “A Curated Shelf” by Ani Almario at the Kwago book bar in Makati City on August 25.
The artists are Maxine Syjuco, Issay Rodriguez, Nikki Ocean, Erick Calilan, Jem Magbanua, Sasa Cabalquinto and Ralph Eya.
“Salamin” is a response to a controversial contemporary picture book — Suzy Lee’s Mirror — about a little girl who interacts with a mirror and her reflection in it. The author takes the young protagonist, as well as the readers, on a mental journey of self-awareness, loneliness, joy, ecstasy, confusion and anger.
“When I read the book, I felt the lightness and weight of becoming a person. The exhibit is an intricate dance between failing and becoming,” “Salamin” co-curator Roy Voragen said.
With an aim to address a wide range of questions on the relevance and scope of publishing, “A Curated Shelf” is a space for critical and playful conversations about publications and publishing as a discursive practice.
For every curated shelf, Voragen and co-curator Czyka Tumaliuan set up a corollary event that ruminates on the selection and opens up needed conversations about reading, writing and publishing.
“The show hopes to open conversations on the dark and implicit. As a mom, Mirror broke my heart as it dawned on me that my little one will face the same painful existential crisis I went through back in college as I chased who I am. What happens when her mirror breaks and my fragile one discovers that there’s nothing to find [or] discover?” Tumaliuan said.
“In the exhibit, together with my co-curator and seven artists, we confront this burden of meaning and embrace the beauty in not knowing,” she added.
“Salamin” will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on August 25. Attendees can pay whatever they want as door fee. Free unlimited ice cream for attendees who sign up at bit.ly/rsvpsalamin. Kwago is at Warehouse 8-A, La Fuerza Plaza, S2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City. For more information, visit bit.ly/salaminnimalas.