ArtFairPH2020: Jellyfish Kisses bared the deep meaning behind his closet-inspired exhibit
Filipino visual artist Anton Belardo, who also lives by the name of his colorful persona, Jellyfish Kisses, chose to provide a safe space amidst the abstract and bold exhibits in the Art Fair Philippines 2020.
Despite the flamboyant atmosphere that oozes from his art installation, Jellyfish told GMA Network in his earnest words: “It's a space where people can actually be themselves and not feel judged in any way.”
The inspiration for his bizarre exhibit is the closet. And as a way to welcome the world into his safe space, Jellyfish decided to showcase it as interactive in which people would feel involved and belong. In fact, he aspires for his project to be like a confessional diary.
“It's actually about the struggles of, like, queer individuals, trans individuals, or anyone who does not fit the norms of society and how they are judged based lang on their clothing. And, 'yun 'yung main story behind it.
“In a way, it's a diary confessional, it starts with me pero it becomes everyone else. Kasi, what I feel or what I'm going through is a universal thing. It's being you more.”
Jellyfish also encourages everyone to leave a little piece of themselves in the interactive project through story quilt. He says, “Sobrang love ko 'yung idea of story quilts kasi it tells 'yung history and origins of people using fabrics. Tapos, instead of it being about me, kasi majority nito is like experiences from me, this time I'm giving it to the audience.”
There is actually a sewing area where visitors can piece together an outfit for the naked blue doll, which will then be presented at the Soft Punk Spring Summer 2020 show.
“You can actually help me finish the last doll. Parang, you can be part of the show. We can build a dress together. It's not really about me, it's about other people's stories,” he said.
The clothed dolls displayed in Jellyfish's exhibit were fashioned according to his life story.
“So, since 'yung inspiration ko for the space is the closet, instead of presenting clothes, I decided to present it na memories in objects. So, hindi siya actually talaga outfit eh.
“Parang, each doll represents a certain period or a situation that happened to me before. It could be as hard as, let's say, discrimination or being bullied or whatever. Or it could be something light lang, parang remembering the dress that you fell in love with.”
Experience the eccentric art exhibit of Jellyfish Kisses in Art Fair Philippines 2020 which is open to the public from February 21 to 23 at The Link carpark in Makati City.
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