Your Mouth Has A Mind Of Its Own

"Your Mouth has a Mind of Its Own" is an exhibition that explores the intricate layers of Filipino mentality, ideology, belief, culture, and tradition. Through this body of work, I aim to reveal the pervasive influence of superstitious beliefs and religion on the collective psyche. My intention is to illustrate how these elements often precede rational thought, leading to instinctual, sometimes detrimental, responses.

At the heart of this exhibition is a series of sculptures and mixed media pieces that delve into typical Filipino beliefs. The first piece, "Tulak ng Dibdib, Kabig ng Bibig," features a human figure—a gaunt alcoholic man adorned with religious tattoos. Perched on his head is a taxidermy bird, symbolizing misguided strength and ego. Created with polyresin, textile, and oil paint, this work embodies the notion that superstitions can dominate and control one’s mindset and beliefs.

Another work in a 3D representation of a janitor fish titled "Mahuhuli Ka Sa Bibig." Molded and cast in resin, the fish swims in a substance resembling mud, juxtaposing the traditional koi fish paintings believed to bring luck and prosperity against the reality of polluted Philippine lakes where only janitor fish thrive. This artwork highlights the disparity between expectations and reality.

Additionally, the exhibition features a religious piece titled "Nasa Dyos Ang Gawa," portraying an ostensibly invisible figure of Jesus on the cross, covered in bird droppings with 2 taxidermy sparrows perched on top. The figure, cast in water-soluble materials and later dissolved to appear invisible, is symbolized by the resin bird droppings that define its presence. This piece critiques the belief that faith alone can save believers from a dystopian reality.

Another piece, "Art for the Sick," presents an upscale version of the SkyFlakes biscuit, a food associated with recovery from ailments like alcohol hangover, food poisoning or diabetes. This work comments on the consumption of art as a means of feeling better about oneself, reflecting on art’s role in personal and societal healing.

The remaining works in the exhibition are three-dimensional acrylic paintings on canvas, appearing as hyper-realistic sculptures. These pieces depict food items such as a cake, "Maligayang Araw," an over-prepared spaghetti in a tub, "Ubos Ubos Biyaya," and an empty plate eaten off by a starving man, "Anong Ulam?" They employ unconventional painting techniques to achieve a sculptural effect, representing the Filipino culture of celebration—emphasizing visual abundance despite limited resources, as people prepare excessive food to please their guests.

Through "Your Mouth has a Mind of Its Own," I invite viewers to reflect on the impact of deeply ingrained beliefs and to question the instinctual responses shaped by superstition and religion. This exhibition calls for confronting the disparity between appearance and reality, urging a deeper understanding of the cultural forces at play.