SINGAPORE – October 9, 2013 – In his upcoming show Nameless Presence, Leslie de Chavez exhibits his thought-provoking work, in which he "paints a social commentary on the depths man can sink, and the accomplishments he too can reach despite the temptation of corrupting agents."
"Nameless Presence is a true exercise of thought and process, for both the artist and the viewer. What that presence is, and how it is understood, is a choice made and analyzed within each one’s respective context and history. Society as it unfolds, and individual experience, are the lens through this presence is seen, and the pen through which this presence is written," Silverlens said in a press release.
Among the paintings that will be on display are God is On Our Side, in which three men gather to participate in a baptism in the river. However, the scene is far from tranquil, with elements of detriment surrounding the initiate.
"With hands crossed and head bent, the initiate stands in flooded water with debris and destruction to his back, a crocodile lurking in observance or calculating its next move, a storm raging in the distance, and finally – and perhaps what could be most detrimental of all- are the two men performing the ritual.
The first is a gray-skinned man, darkened and deformed by the filth he has absorbed holding the basin of flowers and what looks like an idol; while the second man, though more normal in appearance, is the one performing the ceremony. This second man will have the words that seal the ceremony and the oaths made, and yet he has his hands around the initiate’s. Is this meant to guide the new member, or to force him into joining their side? Are we witnessing the willingness or submission of the soul?"
Also on display will be Sold Without a Guarantee, where a man lies with arms to his side and again in deep contemplation, on his belly perched on a skull.
"Alone in a vast field, sunshine fading into darkness behind him, the man balances on an object which symbolizes death and dishonesty. Beyond balance, this man has centered himself on the skull; it is his core, his center of gravity, and it is what feeds him. The extended belly and the acceptance in his face are no coincidence; it seems he has found peace and balance in this set-up."
De Chavez is a master of threading execution and result, the gallery said.
"Each of his works present a social commentary not only written through allegory and juxtaposition, but also written through his painting methods – be it the deliberate use of black as the base color, the evenness of the paint, and even the way the works are framed and presented."
Nameless Presence runs from October 18 to November 17. The opening reception is on October 18 from 7 to 9 p.m., while the artist talk is on October 19 at 3 p.m.
The exhibit will also be at the Singapore Biennale 2013: If the World Changed from October 26, 2013 to February 16, 2014.
Silverlens is at 47 Malan Road #01-25, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109444. For more information, visit the Silverlens website.
