The premise of the
exhibit is fondly called “Balat ng Mani”, which was coined in the formative
years in The College Of Fine Arts during 1991 to 1994. It may seem trite the
term using the peanut shell as analogy for the works produced by this
group of students, considering that many embraced methodologies from
post-modern, modernism, formalism and other isms acquired during this period as
students.
To note a significant fact about this particular group of individuals, during this period the UP CFA just transferred to the new building, which to the writer’s opinion produced a psyche of being wholly independent from its former residence and finally a home to express who and what they are.
To expand on the “Balat
ng mani”, it simply means a shell to clothe the artwork made, balat means skin
that is the malleable layer of the thought and intent, to the final form
presented by artist. If clichés are observed and interjected into the
definition, it is normal for art to take such forms which is subject the
plurality of “ART”.
