Two artists from the Philippines set out to capture the culture of soap opera and its role in society.
In real life: You win two shopping vouchers.
In soap operas: You inherit a million bucks from a father you never knew you had.
In real life: You get married.
In soap operas: Your spouse-to-be is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, your long-missing ex shows up just before vows are exchanged at the altar, your jealous second cousin shreds your dream wedding dress.
Soap operas are melodramatic to a fault; taking all the possible drama you get in life, magnifying it several-fold, and then condensing it into a nice little package of theatrics that spans an episode... and then an entire series.
Love it or hate it, the popularity of soap operas is undisputed. Many fans tune in for each scheduled slot, watching and waiting with bated breath for the next plot twist to be revealed.
You take sides, feel the characters' fears and joy, you grow with them. Often you even see yourself in them.
Gasolina by Zamora, oil on canvas.
The candidly titled Soap Opera, an exhibition featuring six works each from Carlo Gabuco, 33, and Christopher Zamora, 36, sets out to capture this culture of soap opera and its role in society. Both these Manila-based artists' works now are showing at HOM Art Trans gallery, Ampang in Kuala Lumpur.
The exibition offers a glimpse into the wide influence of soaps, drawing parallels to persistent everyday issues such as seemingly unchanging political landscapes and the struggles of the everyman.
"The most fascinating thing about soap operas for me is the way it captivates the audience, and how the general masses seem to relate to it," says Gabuco in an email interview from the Philippines.
Gabuco's relationship with the HOM Art Trans gallery extends back to 2008, when he participated in the regional group exhibition Arttriangle. He then went on to participate in the gallery's Interes Residency programme and had a solo exhibition at the space.
Though he personally does not indulge in soap operas, he shares that it is very much a staple in his family home.
"They watch it every night, and that is how I got all my ideas for the whole exhibition," he notes.
Imponderables by Carlo Gabuco, oil on canvas.
Elsewhere, Zamora's involvement with the gallery began in 2011 when he participated in the first-ever Sage Residency programme, then continuing to act as a point-of-liaison for the gallery's other activities in Manila.
"I picked works that I did in the past that I believe represent the theme of the exhibition. I created a certain narrative that best describes the idea I have for Soap Opera," says Zamora.
Gabuco adds that in his case, his inspiration for each artwork comes from different aspects of his life, ranging from the values he grew up with, to the education opportunities he had. He combines personal views with astute social observation in his works.
The artists, both Fine Arts graduates from Philippine Women's University in Manila, point out that in the Philippines it is a common sight in many homes for the family to gather in front of their television in the evenings and watch soap operas together.
Undercontrol by Gabuco, oil on canvas.
Reflecting on these nuances they observed in their homeland, the exhibition also addresses the repetitive template many soaps are based upon.
"For me, soap operas tell the same old stories, the same events that keep on repeating themselves. The only difference is the characters and settings change with each soap opera," says Gabuco. As uninspired as this sounds on paper, it certainly does nothing very much to fuel disinterest in soap operas in general.
"I do watch soaps," says Zamora.
And he certainly isn't the only one. It is no secret that many find soap operas highly entertaining and rely on it as a form of escapism. Many invest emotionally in them.
Zamora comments that one possible reason behind its influence is that most soap operas "give the illusion of inspiring its audience".
But maybe, despite soap operas being make-believe, they offer more than just an illusion to fans.
Soap Opera is on at HOM Art Trans (6A Jalan Cempaka 16, Taman Cempaka, Ampang) till Oct 4. The gallery opens from 11am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 1pm to 6pm on Saturday. Sunday viewing by appointment only. Call 03-9286 7004 or visit homarttrans.blogspot.com for details.
Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Entertainment/Arts/Frame-Up/2014/09/28/Artists-take-on-soap-opera-melodrama
