Opening snaps!
repost from Pintô Art Museum
By Elijah Contillo
photos by: Matias Caluma
curated by: Demetrio Dela Cruz
Upper Gallery 4
19 March – 8 April 2023
For his solo exhibition, make life less difficult to each other, Elijah Contillo brings the street art aesthetic to Pintô Art Museum, turning the gallery walls as canvas to his unique style characterized by bold, swirling lines, pastel colors, cartoon images, and improvisatory approach. The repetition of portraits—although they are of different people—remind of the posters pasted on the surfaces in public spaces, but rather than informational, Contillo’s vision is celebratory, acknowledging the goodness of others. The show is an exuberant, youthful, and optimistic take despite the negativity that seems to proliferate at every turn.
The artist’s radical philosophy, both in his life and art, is all about kindness. Contillo believes that small acts of kindness can mean a lot to someone going through a hard time. We have the power to change the energy of a given moment, and with that ability, he enjoins us: “Make life less difficult to each other…it starts with you, with me.” In a culture that espouses toxic positivity, the artist highlights the value of embracing both negative and positive emotions and appreciating one’s flaws to better understand ourselves and others.
By: Carlomar Arcangel Daoana
For inquiries: pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com
