We’re not sure what’s in the water the people at Space Encounters Gallery have been drinking these past three months, but O, do we want some. Reopening for the first time since quarantine, Space Encounters returns with a spring in their step; their gallery interior is packed with not one, not two, but four shows that deliver viewers some much-needed fun.
As expected, the Gallery follows proper health and sanitation regulations, along with a no mask, no entry policy. Visits are appointment-based and accommodated in numbers of four at an hourly rotation.
Feel no pressure to tweeze as you get ready, though. The first sight isThe Frida Kahlo Show, a group homage by artists of varying styles to the many facets of Kahlo’s broad influence. Presented alongside artful Kahlo plushies by Ginansilyo ni Marya and a playful portrait of her by Bryan Yabut are a creative polymer clay sculpt by Pat Frades, a surrealist pop and flora work by Irish Galon, and a tongue-in-cheek acrylic painting by Isabel Barredo-Del Mundo. Completing the tribute with equal respect is Kahlo imagined as a proud Filipina and Venus, in Soleil Ignacio’s and Manu San Pedro’s works, respectively.
Unfurrow your unibrow. It’s all good fun throughout in the three solo shows filled with art toys and paintings by Humbly (Bryan Antonio), Martkills (Gemart Ortega), and Bryan Yabut. Humbly’s Friends From Outer Space come in peace, and there’s a lot of goodwill when Martkills’ pop culture-infused tiyanaks flip you the finger at Laa Laa Land. Throwback, Too by Bryan Yabut extends his neon tributes to his pop culture heroes and favorites: Beastie Boys, Dexter’s Lab, and more. Even Björk makes an appearance.
Bliss it out with Björk and the rest of this uncanny roster by setting an appointment through spacegallery.info@gmail.com. Visit the Gallery’s Instagram for updates.
Anchor photo: Humbly. Ignored. Acrylic on Canvas. 18 x 24 inches. 2020.