Leslie DE CHAVEZ: God is Busy

Arario Gallery Cheonan is pleased to present God Is Busy, a solo exhibition by the young Filipino artist Leslie de Chavez, from November 15th 2011 to January 15th, 2012. As his ninth solo show, 4 years since the exhibition Red-eyed Brother held in Korea in 2007, this grand-scale exhibition presents 20-some works in various genres, including painting, sculpture, installation and drawing.

Manila-born Filipino artist Leslie de Chavez (b. 1978) is a young artist who cautiously deals with sensitive subjects like imperialism, colonization and religion of his country. He is also an artist who contemplates deeply the function, influence and directivity of art in a society. Recognized for his distinguished talent and sensibility in painting, the artist casts a bitter metaphor on the society he lives in, suggesting a response to reality through reconstructing the icons and symbols of the times. This is suggested by employing characters like Ronald McDonald, the ultimate icon of Capitalism, which signifies depersonalization and corruption from commercialization; by casting a pessimistic depiction of soulless countrymen with deep sunken eyes; by frequently portraying banana - Philippine’s main production. The struggles of his country are also demonstrated through the title of his past exhibitions such as Banana Republic - a term describing an unstable and economically insufficient republic that relies on assistance from other stronger nations - and Buntong Hininga – meaning deep sigh – reflecting the response of the victimization of Filipinos amid power conflict.

The title of this solo exhibition, God Is Busy, relates to the unique religious characteristics of Philippines with 90% of Catholic population. De Chavez explores the concept of dictatorship in everyday life juxtaposing it with the idea of obsession with the omnipotent presence. God Is Busy is a cynical and declaratory statement to those who only sluggishly seek answers and solutions from the creator through prayer, rather than face reality. It’s an implication on the fact that change comes from courage and nothing can be achieved without action. The title delivers the artist’s hope to transform passive reliance on religion, social system and customs into a will to change reality.

Leslie de Chavez’s value system about society and art is firm and clear. He invites introspection on reality through works that reflect hard work and passion, and stand apart in the world of contemporary art that overflows with visually appealing work without conceptual content. We invite you to take part and share the outstanding practice and potential of Leslie de Chavez’s art through this exhibition.

Leslie De Chavez graduated as a top student from University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts in 1999, he began his artistic career in 2002. He had his first solo exhibition in 2003 at Kulay Diwa Galleries, Manila, Philippines. He first became recognized in Korea after being selected for Asian Artists Fellowship Program at IASK Goyang Art Studio in 2005 and much attention was paid during ‘Red-eyed Brother,’ an exhibition curated from his representative Arario gallery since 2007. Soon, he had exhibitions at Avanthay Contemporary in Switzerland, Silverens Galleries in Philipines, Alternative Space Loop, and participated in 3rd Nanjing Triennial, Leipzig International Art Programme and 3rd Asian Art Biennial organized by National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. He has been awarded many times and participated in various residency programs. Not only an artist, he also organizes South-east Asian contemporary art exhibitions.