When my uncle, Gabby Barredo, who was an artist had an exhibit entitled “Opera” in January 2015, I then assumed the role of an opera singer in his latest exhibit as the guests viewed the kinetic sculpture that he presented for his one-man show.

But here, I will discuss mostly the exhibit was named “Asphalt” staged way back in 2013 where he proved that his art is dynamic plus a glimpse of his entry to the Hong Kong Arts Festival 2009. Sure there are instances where the accolades get mixed up with the follow up question “Where do we go from here?” And he answered them with an exhibit that dared go dark if not political.

Art usually succeeds when it gets appreciated not only for its beauty but for the message that it tried to convey. Sometimes art is meant to disturb the audience and make them think. And that was exactly what was seen in his latest exhibit. Political figures whose statuses in their home countries were almost God-like, either perceived or manipulated, were seen here.

Art imitates life and it is inevitable when an artist like him can produce art best when there is something in him waiting to be blurted out. Artists would like to recreate pieces that would remind people of real life and help them appreciate the artworks more. It quite agreed with my philosophy that controversy is inevitable in artistry. You don’t become controversial for the sake of seeing attention or just for the heck of it. You need to address the elephant in the room? Do it in the best way that you could. He did by presenting these creations.

Now the interesting part about the kind of art he is famous for is that I can present some of them better as animated images. You see, his expertise is in kinetic sculpture. They are lovely works of art but you end up appreciating them more the moment you witness them moving.

There is a level of creepiness made cool in some of the moving pieces found in this exhibit. But compared to the static pieces presented alongside the moving ones, interpreting them is more dynamic. That Mao bust with the red circle can be interpreted as how he was almost a God and at the same time, a target of the West. This baby with the marionette strings and a split face for a breastplate? I can guess how it’s about how babies were operated in the past in concentration camps but the artist knew better what was it for really.

And he’s been doing this for years. They range from the surreal yet fascinating to the dark and disturbing. If ever there would be one artist that can manage to turn their subconscious dreams into physical art, it would be Gabby Barredo.

The movements turn simple items like this (I presume) a mirror into something darker than it actually seems. Just when you thought dark mirrors with moving hands that try pulling you in exist only in nightmares, you end up seeing in previous clips of exhibits that he has staged. It’s the mystery that captures the attention of art enthusiasts and curious onlookers than happened to drop by.

Enthralled? I can’t blame you. I am proud of my uncle in the same manner that the artistic community in the Philippines gets represented in exhibits abroad with such eye-catching creations. Hopefully I get to perform in one of his exhibits again.

Speaking of performances, most of the are usually displayed on my social media accounts. So I would really appreciate if you like my official Facebook page, Kuya Manzano Fan Club, and follow me on Twitter @kuyamanzano. Gracias!