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One of the country’s leading catalysts of surrealism and social-realism Mark Justiniani holds his first ever solo exhibition in the regional art mecca of Singapore.

Social-realism in art often entails dark images depicting the harsh realities in society. The Las Vegas-based painter, however, has found a way to provoke discussions on social issues while infusing what he describes as “a children’s book-like quality� to his artworks. In his world, reality and fantasy need not collide.

Proof of that unique combination is his upcoming exhibition at Substation Gallery, Home for the Arts, Singapore from May 11 to 20, 2008.

Entitled “Catapult,� the 1st Solo Exhibition of Mark Justiniani in Singapore organized by Art Sentral Asia explores the idea of being on the verge – being tossed in the air leaving viewers to wonder whether the figures are going up or already coming down.

One artwork features an inverted figure holding a cane with legs spread wide open. He is suspended in mid-air and it is unclear whether a greater height is yet to be achieved or if gravity has already taken hold and the figure is being pulled back to the ground.

“My works are open-ended though still guided by the other visual cues that I include in the painting. When people look at my art, I want them to find more questions rather than answers. I want it to be a ongoing dialogue,� he explained.

Another artwork features a katipunero (a 19th century Filipino freedom fighter) standing in a giant hand. And though only until the wrist can be seen, one can surmise that it is the hand of a modern day businessman. The katipunero is holding on to the handle of his half-drawn itak (a local blade) though it is unclear if he is drawing it out or placing it back into the scabbard. Along the edges of the piece are scribbles from the text of McKinley’s letter on the benevolent assimilation.

Justiniani completed his art education at the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. His first solo exhibition was in 1993 and has had 10 more since then. He also regularly participates in various group shows both locally and internationally. His works have been exhibited in the United States, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Denmark, and Malaysia. A consistent prize-holder in many local and international art competitions, he was awarded the 13 Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a young artist.

Source: www.GoodNewsPilipinas.com