The
Paolo Mejia Art Gallery and Design Studio is proud to introduce and showcase
Mel Vera Cruz's artwork. His artwork references a neo-pop and neo-expressionist style
that evokes social commentary on today's experiences in society. The art show is entitled "
Quintessential Adobo". The art show is about the suggestive labeling and pigeon-holing of
groups and people. In this art show, Mel Vera Cruz exhibits his artwork and
what he experienced as an immigrant.
Mel Vera Cruz was born in 1964 Manila, Philippines. He had two major
migrations. His first migration was from the province of Quezon to the city of Manila, and his second migration was from Manila to the San Francisco Bay Area. These two major migrations had a
profound effect on him.
As an effect of his emigration, he experienced discrimination and psychological displacement. Discrimination and psychological
displacement were generally common experiences for emigrants. Mel had an ideal experience
as a child because he spent it in the country where nature was his
playground, but at the same time was a victim of discrimination early in
life because of his provincial/rural background. However, his experiences fueled
his desire to create. Mel's attempt to exorcise his demons
affected his art making process. This attempt of exorcism had a positive reaction from a negative
situation. For Mel, this was the only way to take the baggage out of his
system.
Just as he was beginning to adjust to the cosmopolitan life of Manila, he migrated to the Bay Area in California where he was
labeled 'fresh off the boat' or FOB. This was another experience that displaced him further mentally and psychologically. However, Mel had one advantage on his side and that was
using the esoteric power of art as a tool to confront his
disadvantages. Not all his experiences were bad, and this reflects
on his art making process and artworks. In Mel's works, you can feel the spontaneity and joy in his
creations. It is like a release of synergy that came from his overall
vibe and experience.
Mel's artworks illuminate in a chaotic but fun way. He has been interested in utilizing available materials or found objects because he likes to be
self-sufficient, not only physically and mentally, but also spiritually.
His surroundings definitely impacts his process and art making. Like a chemist, he can
transform materials from his surroundings and then make them into pieces of art,
because he believes it is integrated with his life and not separate or detached. Mel Vera Cruz overall believes in the freedom and independence in art making.
"You
cannot reach your full creative potential when you’re subjected to those
protocols", as Mel Vera Cruz comments.
(
Below are some of his works displayed in the gallery. They are mixed media pieces on mylar.)
'Destiny'
Mixed media on mylar
36x80 inches (approximate)
2010
'Do You Have A Filipina?'
Mixed media on mylar
36x 80 inches (approximate)
2010
'Kirat'
Mixed media on mylar
36x80 inches (approximate)
2010
We invite you to come and see artworks that shows a synergistic expressions of experience through the eyes of Mel Vera Cruz at the Paolo Mejia Art Gallery and Design Studio. The "Quintessential Adobo" art show will be displayed from February 26, 2013 - March 10, 2013. Come, enjoy and see powerful artworks made by Mel Vera Cruz at the Paolo Mejia Art Gallery and Design Studio.
Open Sundays 12 - 5 pm &
Mondays and Tuesdays by
Appointment
.JPG)
