JM Saycon’s “Birth Of The Innocent” feels at once classical and contemporary, exploring the inherent innocence of youth, as well as the wisdom and strength of women throughout history.
In his latest solo exhibition—and the first as an exclusive artist of gallery Art Underground—JM Saycon explores youth and motherhood in a way that honors history while bringing something new to the table. Entitled Birth of The Innocent, his collection of hyperrealistic works consists of oil and acrylic paintings of marble busts that are so finely rendered, one might think they are photographs.
Bursting forth from their canvases, these statues stand stark against plain grey-white backgrounds, ensconced within shining foil sheets folded into different forms, each one becoming a part of each bust. Faces of women and little girls abound, their expressions serene and sage as they stare off knowingly into the distance.
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Creating Marble Out Of Canvas
Saycon’s pieces feel both familiar and new, three-dimensional forms akin to classical marble statues in museums, yet wholly distinct through their aluminum foil structures and two-dimensional formats. It comes as no surprise that these techniques of his have garnered widespread acclaim and attention, even beyond the Philippines, with foreign viewers and collectors flocking to his exhibitions in awe of his mastery over hyperrealism.
After graduating with a degree in advertising from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Saycon began building a promising career as an artist, collaborating with institutions like Art Underground while joining numerous competitions and exhibitions. Birth Of The Innocent is a culmination of his past efforts, yet also a new chapter to what looks to be a promising art career.
“We were able to bring his work to Madrid, and also Fukuoka, Japan,” explains Deseree Mapandi, gallery manager of Art Underground. “There’s been great traffic. Viewers are very amazed with how finely painted they are. The pieces have really captured the international market, and we’re already in the process of holding another show in Madrid because of how good the reception was.”
It usually takes months for Saycon to finish a single piece—from gathering inspiration to setting up reference materials, sketching, and painting. “It really takes a long time, though getting all the details right really makes me happy,” Saycon tells Lifestyle Asia (the writer has translated sections of the interview from Tagalog to English).
Birth Of The Innocent: An Ode to Women And Children
Birth of The Innocent is partly a tribute to Saycon’s late mother, who passed away during the COVID pandemic. The care he put into it, and the elements of her maternal spirit, are evident across many of the pieces. Women with kind, gentle expressions are focal points of the collection, while babies or little girls also capture the imagination with their sweet, innocent poses.
Usually, busts are made to honor powerful or influential figures, from military leaders of bygone empires to today’s presidents. Through his latest collection, Saycon is honoring women and children in a similar fashion, highlighting the beauty of their innocence, purity, wisdom, intelligence, and compassion.
“I really believe in gender equality,” Saycon shares. “Everyone deserves the same rights; women are being recognized, and should continue being recognized, in this day and age.”
Homage to History
Saycon pulls inspiration from a myriad of sources—though in Birth of the Innocent, specifically, the influence of history and the humanities is prominent. Marble busts pay homage to classical works, evoking the spirit of artists like Michaelangelo and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Aluminum foil is not just a fresh, playful nod to today’s era in these paintings: Saycon uses it as a symbol of preservation, much in the same way we use the material to protect and extend the shelf life of consumable goods like food.
“I’m really into history and the humanities; I watch a lot of documentaries about these topics,” the artist explains. “But I notice that some of us tend to forget about history or the past; we don’t take care of its legacies, so that’s why I wanted to create pieces that would remind viewers to look back.”
Perhaps this is also what draws many people, myself included, to Saycon’s works: with such limited space, and with nothing but brushes, paint, and canvas, he can capture a space—even a part of art history—while injecting it with something novel. Not everyone has the resources to bring home a whole marble bust, but Saycon’s works may just be the next best thing, which is exactly what makes them so alluring.
Birth Of The Innocent runs at Art Underground until December 5, 2024. Art Underground is located on the second floor of Mabini180, 180 Mabini St, San Juan, and is open from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Photos courtesy of Art Underground (unless specified).
