Artist’s Statement

This show is a collection of the latest works of Raymund L. Fernandez. For this show he is joined by his daughter, Linya, and Estela Ocampo Fernandez, to whom he is married. Joining also is Roylu who now lives in Canada. This show presents as well collaborations with Fidel Laurence Ricafranca and Mark Argel Simacon.

This was a difficult show to make. Nobody thinks about death unless and until it becomes absolutely necessary. This could be difficult for you to see as well. A bit of courage would be required. For my part, I draw courage from the memory of all whom I loved who have passed away. I have come to an age when they have become too many to put into a list. All that I know of life and death I owe to them. It is for them that this exhibit is staged.

I imagine a place where they might sit around in spirit just to take in the environment, the wood carvings, the paintings, the urns, the signs. Each piece is a particular discussion of thoughts related to the fact of death and the gift of time. This discussion does not intend to preach or even resolve what questions might come in the course of viewing these works. Questions related to the existence or non-existence of God, the afterlife, are to be expected. And you might even come to ask: But what does this have to do with a happy death? This show will not answer those questions. And you must be forewarned that should you pose these questions to the artists you might find their answer more confusing than clarifying.

Life and death are mysteries. And it is the nature of mysteries to enchant when it does not infuriate, to confuse some more what was not clear in the first place, to touch the skin of what we cannot know. How close to this edge can we come?

Imagine a sacred place that is not a church. Imagine a holy place not owned by any one god.

Imagine “Malipayong Kamatayon: A Happy Death.”

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