Borborygmi
GABBY TIONGSON
March 23 - April 21
About the Artist | View Works | Request a Catalogue
Presenting works that depict the similarities of art and the body, Gabby Tiongson’s ‘Borborygmi’ illustrates continual changes, regeneration, and healing. The artist notes, “Getting back in the studio was easy; finding the motivation to produce work was a challenge when situations around are worrisome. But once I was able to intake enough inspiration to satisfy an aesthetic wonder, the creative bolus continued to gain momentum and size. The first work produced warmed-up the mind. It was necessary to undergo certain distress to be able to find footing in the studio.”
‘Borborygmi’ charts the movement of Tiongson’s mind through time while living with the pandemic. The works act as timestamps and evidence of the artist’s continuous thinking and progress. The exhibition is a realization of the perpetual balancing act that keeps the mind running constantly. He continues, “Pain in painting is part of it. Each retains an element of each other mixed with new tryings. They are all similar and different. Echoes of past decisions pushed for new explorations to come about. This satisfies me for the moment until the next time I step into the studio. “
Tiongson is reminded of the Ionian philosopher Heraclitus, who believed in the “unity of opposites.'' Heraclitus stated that “The only constant in life is change”, and hence, ‘Borborygmi’ is a reflection of this idea---to move while the world is still.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Gabby Tiongson (b. 1985, Iloilo) explores painting as an exercise in construction and deconstruction. He received his Visual Arts degree and Masters in Creative Practice from Unitec Institute of Technology in New Zealand, where he now works and lives. The experience of migrating to another country has led him to criticize and reflect on his identity and culture loss. His early work of free-hand, black and white illustrations now expands to include the use of fluorescent technicolor, slapstick, off-kilter character proportions, and distorted references to human anatomy. His practice is keen on marrying elements of innocence, childhood, and the grotesque. 'Borborygmi' is his first solo exhibition at MONO8.
Works from Borborygmi
Gabby Tiongson, Huey, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 39.37 x 47.24 in (100 x 120 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Duey, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 39.37 x 47.24 in (100 x 120 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Luey, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 39.37 x 47.24 in (100 x 120 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Drops, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 27.56 x 18.89 in (70 x 48 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Phantasma, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 18.89 x 27.56 in (48 x 70 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Drops, Toast, Mixed media on canvas 27.56 x 18.89 in (70 x 48 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Nimbusma, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 27.56 x 18.89 in (70 x 48 cm)
Gabby Tiongson, Fluff, 2019, Mixed media on canvas 18.89 x 27.56 in (48 x 70 cm)