Jerson Samson
Diskarte
Paintings, Sculptures and Installation
06 November - 30 December 2008

PRESS RELEASE

Opening: Thursday, 06 November 2008 at 18h00
Venue: Mondejar Gallery, Zentralstrasse 18, 2008, 8003 Zurich

The artist will be present.

Diskarte: Exploring Filipino Resilience and Global Paradoxes Through Art

In his thought-provoking exhibition Diskarte, Jerson Samson masterfully blends cultural critique, humor, and vivid imagery to delve into the themes of resilience, identity, and societal challenges. Hosted in Zurich, Switzerland, the collection exemplifies the Filipino ethos of Diskarte—resourcefulness and adaptability—while shedding light on universal struggles. Each piece stands as a testament to Samson's ability to transform everyday experiences and cultural symbols into profound works of art.

Duality and Deception

• You and Me (2008): Seven plywood sculptures, gold on one side and black on the other, explore human duality. The golden smiles symbolize outward charm, while the concealed daggers embody hidden malice, challenging viewers to confront the "truth behind those smiles."

Global Inequality

• 95% of the World (2008): Through the imagery of flies and feces juxtaposed with Western tools of precision, this mixed-media piece critiques the global imbalance, emphasizing that a vast majority of the world labors under exploitative conditions.

Existential Reflections

• Searching for the Meaning of Life (2008): A gold-filled suitcase of personal items symbolizes material success and wealth, raising the existential question: What is the true meaning of life beyond these achievements?

The Price of Peace

• Anatomy of Peace (2008): A wrapped gun sculpture reflects the paradox of peace as a "gift" that often comes at the cost of war. Samson draws on the violence in Mindanao, Philippines, to highlight this harsh reality.

Cultural Juxtapositions

• Do-It-Yourself (2008): Combining IKEA instructions with Filipino bayanihan (communal unity), this piece contrasts Western individualism with Filipino collectivism, questioning the cultural impact of such opposing values.
• The Ikea Experience (2008): Filipino jeepneys are paired with IKEA branding, juxtaposing the Philippines’ faith-driven ethos (“Bahala na si God”) with Western pragmatism, symbolizing the cultural divide between spontaneity and precision.

Commentary on Consumerism

• Celebrity Skin Sickness (2008): This collage critiques society’s obsession with celebrity culture, exposing the hollow pursuit of beauty and fame through fashion imagery.
• Interior Friendly (2008): Samson critiques the commodification of art through modified decorative paintings. By adding satirical elements, he questions whether art should serve aesthetic purposes or deeper meanings.

Humor and Boldness

• Tibe, Tubol, Purarat (2008): Using crude Filipino terms for types of feces, these oil paintings reimagine traditional street art into something aggressively humorous and transformative.
• Who’s Bad? (2008): Two canvases are merged to question the tension between "bad art" and "bad taste," urging viewers to reassess what constitutes true artistry.

Filipino Identity in a Western Context

• Ako at Aking Tsinelas (Me and My Flip Flops) (2008): A self-portrait capturing the artist’s journey from the Philippines to the West, reflecting both personal and cultural transitions.
• My Homesickness (2008): A poignant diptych expressing longing for home, highlighting the emotional weight of cultural and physical displacement.

Confronting Corruption and Conflict

• Emergency (2008): A dilapidated ambulance reflects the decay of public services in the Philippines, linking this deterioration to systemic corruption.
• Temptation with the Forbidden and Irresistible Guilty Pleasure (2008): The stark contrast of burning chaos and melting ice cream symbolizes the allure of indulgence amidst turmoil.
• 5-6 (FIVE-SIX) (2008): This critique of exploitative lending practices in Filipino communities is visually represented through monetary metaphors and stark imagery.

A Universal Narrative Through a Filipino Lens

Diskarte is not just an exhibition; it is a conversation. Each artwork transcends cultural boundaries, offering viewers a unique perspective on human resilience, societal contradictions, and the beauty of transformation. Samson’s work reminds us of the enduring power of art to provoke, inspire, and connect. In Diskarte, the Filipino spirit resonates on a global stage, blending local narratives with universal themes. This exhibition is a powerful testament to the intersection of art, culture, and advocacy.