Art Verité Gallery

NAVIGATING PARADOXES

Emmanuel Garibay’s exhibition, “Matalino,” invites us into a visual dialogue that intricately weaves together the threads of intellect and authority, providing a profound reflection on established norms. Rendered meticulously in oil on wood panels, each artwork becomes a testament to Garibay’s nuanced exploration of intelligence and power—a dual force that acts as both a constructive beacon and a harbinger of potential destruction.

The title piece, “Matalino,” sets the tone, depicting a figure holding both a book and a bomb. This encapsulates the paradox inherent in intelligence, prompting viewers to question the reliability of conventional wisdom and exposing systemic flaws in our pursuit of knowledge.

The subversion of power structures emerges prominently in “Amo,” where a blind master and an astute dog, challenging conventional hierarchy and urging us to reconsider who truly wields authority. This motif of intelligence subversion becomes a recurring theme, encouraging contemplation on societal norms and power dynamics within the exhibition.

“Buod” lays bare the intellectual economy, portraying a woman holding a small note atop a book. Here, the artist exposes the underbelly of intellectual pursuits, questioning the necessity of elaborate explanations and prompting critical reflection on the implications of cognitive capitalism. The narrative further deepens with “Pensionado” and “Hilaw,” exploring societal transformations and the incongruence of ideologies and experiments. Highlighting the alienating effects ideas can have when taken out of context.

“Kaluluwa,” critiques soulless clerics, shining a spotlight on the dehumanizing impact of rigid dogma. The exhibition becomes a poignant reflection on the narrow focus on the afterlife, urging viewers to contemplate the loss of humanity’s essence within religious strictures.

Garibay’s academic credentials—holding degrees in AB Sociology from UP Los Baños, BFA in Fine Arts from UP Diliman, and an MA in Divinity from the Union Theological Seminary—add a rich layer to this exploration. Remarkably, despite his scholarly achievements, Garibay’s approach to learning has been intuitive, relying on artistic curiosity to inform his creativity. Even with all the degrees he has earned, he never approached studying in a scholarly manner, relying more on intuitive ways to help educate himself. It is the artistic curiosity that has led the way to a more informed creativity. He continually keeps himself informed by listening to podcasts and reading the news, enhancing his clarity regarding the relativity of intelligence and authority. His unique approach to learning, coupled with academic prowess, infuses “Matalino” with a depth that transcends traditional artistic exploration.

Seamlessly integrating contradictory concepts about intelligence, the exhibit becomes a visual narrative where intelligence, power, and societal dynamics intersect, the artworks serve as a platform for the exploration of intellect and authority without explicitly referencing external perspectives.

The exhibition unfolds as a contemplative space, urging introspection on societal structures, the complexities of intellect, and the delicate balance between constructive and destructive forces. In the silent strokes of “Matalino,” Emmanuel Garibay challenges viewers to explore the labyrinth of human intelligence, revealing the fragility and dangers concealed within the pursuit of knowledge and power.

Written by EG