The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) presents Plata Flora by Jandy Carvajal at the Pasilyo Victorio Edades until July 13.
The exhibit represents the time-honored art of repoussé, a technique for creating reliefs on metal by pressing or hammering its reverse side. The Philippines has remarkable examples of repoussé in santo accessories and carozas, the decoration on kalesas, and surviving pre-Hispanic gold artifacts.
All of these continue to inspire visual artist Carvajal. His medium for showcasing repoussé, however, is salvaged aluminum, a more accessible alternative to the metals traditionally used for this art form.
This collection titled Plata Flora succinctly alludes to the color and material Carvajal uses for depicting flowers as subjects and motifs. The salvaged aluminum he has been working on is sometimes mistaken for silver due to its shiny gray appearance. This underscores recycling as a method that can be incorporated and maximized in art making.
Depicting fragrant blossoms, orchids, ornamentals, and even wild flowers, the exhibit practically becomes a shimmering procession of bouquets.
Plata Flora is on view July 13 at the Pasilyo Victorio Edades (4F Hallway Gallery). Viewing hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division, Production and Exhibition Department at telephone numbers (632) 832-1125 to 39 loc. 1504/1505, (632) 8323702, mobile (63920) 4700690, or email ccp.exhibits@gmail.com.