| 05.15.2019 – In the early 2010s the booming art gallery scene in the Philippines has started to sprout all over Metro Manila. This produced and promoted the artistry for the best of the brightest talents that are making a name in foreign countries abroad.
This also gave birth to art events shows that not only catered to the traditional art form, but reinvigorated the interest thanks to these local galleries. Nova Gallery Manila is one of those haven that put the names to their works and their passion for the arts that had recent celebrated its ninth anniversary. |
The current economic view in the Philippines is its recent policy for the “Build Build Build” campaign by the president of the country. There have been questions and underlying thoughts about recent events like the sudden increase of visitors from China and expansion of businesses catering to these foreigners.
Most Filipinos doesn’t notice this but for Raha being vocal about his thoughts through his works did give some meaning to these innocent “ConsTrojan Workers.” He explains the materials he used from the “Trojan Horse”-like installation and the little “Green Innocent Workers” that taken over the second level of the Nova Gallery.
His very first Solo Art Show entirely dedicated its concept and dubbed “Master Plan: Phase One” that at first doesn’t give you any ominous meanings until the artist himself shared his thoughts how he put together this installation.
Innocents Soldiers
If you’re familiar with the classic “Green Army Men” then you’ll find Raha’s latest Art Toys inspired from them. But the difference is they’re innocent construction workers with random facial expressions and accessories.
The artist explains how the Japanese invasion happened in the Philippines during World War II, where visitors posing as tourist and foreign workers arrive in the country then suddenly when war broke out those ‘sleeper” agents came out and destabilised a nation. This is what Rodriguez feels like when large influx of Chinese visitors arriving in the country in the last three years.
These innocent looking soldiers are made of epoxy clay and they are 85 pieces currently on display along with the ‘Trojan Horse” at the Nova Gallery. They are lightweight but sturdy little soldiers and being scattered all over the floor area gives you the same chills the artists is trying to explain in these pieces.
Master Plan: Phase One is Raha Rodriguez's First Solo Art Show which runs from 14-26 September 2019 at the Nova Gallery. For more about upcoming shows follow Nova Gallery on Social media via Facebook and Instagram!
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