Pow Marin and Lawrence Canto teams up in this exhibition which explores the restlessness of the human spirit and monotony of existence; the constant state of chasing goals and the pursuit of preoccupations that give life a semblance of meaning and purpose. A theme that pervades religious and philosophical traditions, such existential question remains elusive in the day and age of human achievement and peak of civilization. The more breakthroughs and discoveries unfold, the more the puzzle of life becomes baffling. The title, Collect as You Pass, Go, is inspired by the game of monopoly
where players set a make-believe goal.

The works of Pow Marin intimates the idea of one’s inner monsters as the source of anxiety and emptiness, and the forms of distractions one creates to cope up with this internal struggle. Such forces have been variously construed as voices in one’s head, pressures from society, conscience, or morality—all competing and influencing individual choices and charting one’s life course. The images also present technology and consumerism as the dominant forces the contemporary generation engages with to keep itself busy and entertained, albeit in a fleeting and passing manner.

Lawrence Canto’s works use various metaphors for the seemingly unending chase for the elusive and unreachable. Scenes such as running and climbing imply the idea of constant movement and restlessness. His paintings feature busy scenes dominated by human figures which appear to be replicating, the planes warping and slicing that evoke a confusing and disorienting visual experience to capture the dizzying pace of contemporary life.

Ryan Francis Reyes