Goodbye to All That
MARGAUX BLAS
Margaux Blas, Foresight, 2020, Acrylic and paper on canvas, 24 x 36 in (60.96 x 91.44 cm)
Margaux Blas (b. 1990) lives and works in Iloilo, Philippines. Her background in Fashion Design informs her practice in exploring the anatomy of the female body while using elements of portraiture. Blas combines mixed media techniques, neo-ethnic patterns, natural textures, and oriental architecture in her works. She received her degree in Fasion Design and Merchandising (with honors) from the De La Salle College of St. Benilde.
“My beliefs saved me from becoming insane and depressed during this time of the pandemic. I haven't touched my paintbrushes and canvases for the longest time, not just because I didn't feel like it but because I just felt like I had to rest and pause. But in the end, I turned to nature. That was my only hope.
This piece is intentional as it can be. I always believed in symbols that can help us through life, like the ancient emblem Ouroboros, representing the concept of eternity and wholeness. Buddha's omnipotent eyes as a symbol of truth, wisdom, and a gateway to the soul. Learning to be present and being in the now at all times. The two women floating at the bottom part of the painting represent human beings, letting go of our troubles and staying detached, but we learn how to float with it and try not to resist. It will only result in chaos. Instead, we understand the situation and work with it for the good of all humanity. The radio, being in that frequency, which you believe in if you want to manifest something in your life. The Anahaw leaf symbolizes ingenuity and resourcefulness as Filipinos.
In the end, I just learned how to stay true to myself and only the efforts are my own; the results have nothing to do with me. It is already beyond my control. But I do what I think is best. Do we have to believe in something otherwise? Why would you continue?
Make the most out of your life.”