Of Memories and Emotions

Maxine Syjuco's "A Propensity for Pain" exhibit provides a glimpse on how she interprets the life of the past and the present. She uses antique photographs placed in wooden frames as her canvass. Wings are carved on the sides of the frames with hearts painted on, replacing the faces.

A brighter shade of red are used in the hearts for women, while a darker tone for men. She explains saying that for her, women are more emotional with what they feel. The wings symbolize how the souls of these people are set free from their past lives, being reborn in the present. It renders them pure, uncertain of the events that will transpire in the present.

A book is situated in the middle of the exhibit. On top of is a house that somehow grew from the blank pages. Instead of windows and doors, drawers take the place as entrances. Maxine offers this as a dwelling for the dead, while also keeping the forgotten memories of these people in it.

The exhibit showcases the view of Maxine on consciousness and feelings. It inquires and explores how our memories blend with emotions; how the past will sit with the present; and, what happens to our emotions when memory is taken away. The spiritual aspect of the exhibit reminded me to reminisce and understand my past for me to feel more empathy with my future.

The exhibit will run until September 9, 2011 at Now Gallery. Now Gallery is located at the Mezzanine floor, Ecoplaza Bldg., 2305 Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati City.