CLAVEL has always been about supporting underground culture. This is where we thrive and we’ve always tried to provide a platform where creatives can shine.
In line with our vision, on July 12, 2024, CLAVEL hosted the CLAVEL Captures Exhibit. In this attempt, we wanted to showcase young visual artists and their interesting perspectives in the hopes of helping them find their tribe.
Our journey began with a blast on our Instagram, launching an open call for exhibitors. The question was simple yet provocative: “What’s Your Delusion?” From the diverse pool of submissions, we narrowed in on 6 exhibitors whose work not only caught our eye but truly deserved to be in the limelight.
However, since it was a private exhibit, not everyone could experience the artistry firsthand at the CLAVEL House. But fear not—we’re here to give you the lowdown on the who, what, and why, ensuring you don’t miss out on the essence of the exhibit.
RIDGE ROSS
“I’d like to believe that my delusions revolve around the hope of always keeping myself together; to hold all the morsels of my being as it tries to pull itself apart, unraveling all the chaos that dares to ensue. This grappling of my skin, this tight wrestle that is an illusion of embrace is not a search for perfection; but merely a meek wanting to be enough, and to be accepted.
GERALDO DEL PILAR
In the quiet recesses of the mind, fantasies of far-off lands and exotic cultures often take root. For some, these dreams remain as fleeting thoughts, easily dismissed amidst the routines of daily life. But for others, these yearnings grow into fervent desires, compelling them to pursue the seemingly impossible—to travel the world.
Imagine a soul consumed by the relentless urge to traverse continents, to immerse oneself in the kaleidoscope of human existence that spans the globe. This is the essence of a delusion to travel the world—a fixation so profound that it eclipses the boundaries of reality, blurring the lines between aspiration and obsession.
At its core, this delusion is a manifestation of wanderlust—a primal instinct that drives humans to seek out new horizons, to chart unexplored territories, both external and internal. It is a thirst for adventure, a hunger for discovery, and an insatiable curiosity that knows no bounds.
MATA NG IZDA
The late Ric Manrique wrote a song called “sapagka’t kami’y tao lamang,” which includes the line, “Puso kahit hindi turuan.” “I wondered if the heart could learn to love on its own. Can delusion be another way of attempting to love ourselves? A salon has the power to allow us to be delusional. You look in the mirror and see yourself, but after a cut, you look like your favorite Idol and convince yourself, “I am them and this is me.” What was you then is now on the floor, and your present has been completely modified to fit the delulu in your head. These photographs were taken with a drag queen named “Maria Lava” to promote her hair outfit. Drag requires a person to wear this persona, which transforms into a living concept born of delusion. I thought it would be fun to shoot at a salon and create a campy fantasy runway while all the people working there were simply doing their regular jobs. To heighten the delusion.
AKIRA WATANABE
California Dreaming
Longing for that effortless, timeless love—a profound, soul-stirring connection that is unaffected by time or circumstance. Until the ideal one will show up to realize your dreams at the most unlikely moment, only to find out that unconditional love is more of a myth than a reality.
You were the one left behind in a relationship’s complicated dance. You weren’t worthy of the affection you desired. You are too complex to be worth someone’s time and attention.
In the end, you will always be a visitor enticed by the Californian dreaming of exploring the romantic highways and side roads in the state of perpetual sunshine. A delusion around the bend, remaining and expecting to be banished.
SEAN RAFAEL VERDEJO
bili na ganda.
A tribute to our younger selves who found joy and an escape in imitating every mini-challenge on “Asia’s Next Top Model” and “Project Runway.” We would eagerly anticipate these shows at 7:30PM on Channel 9, as cable wasn’t an option for us. Immersing ourselves in the glamour, as queer kids in the Philippines, diving into these glamorous shows was our way to escape. They were our safe place, where we could dream and be ourselves freely, away from the real world limits. In pretending and dreaming up these worlds, we found bits of ourselves, a space where we could be true to who we are with no one judging us.
KIM CANOY
We all experience the same sunset every day, what’s so special about me? What if I can see beyond me, so I can check if there’s something grand waiting at the end, I can’t. Is my delusion real or I only think it’s not real because I can’t see beyond my reality?
Loads of creative folks showed up to support these young talents, with some even coming all the way from the Visayas, making the night extra memorable. The free-flowing drinks from Engkanto Brewery set the perfect vibe for a celebration, all while DJ Ean Mayor kept the tunes spinning.
The evening wrapped up on a high note, with the exhibitors receiving gift boxes packed with vouchers from JG Superstore, a little something to fuel their photography passion.
All in all, it was an incredible night – a celebration of art, a toast to the artists, and a big shoutout to the growing community of creatives that keeps bringing us all together. See you on the next one!
