In between the lines

“In between the lines” is a collaboration between artists Ciane Xavier, August Lyle Espino, Chalk Zaldivar, TRNZ, Froilan Calayag, and Miguel Borja showcasing each of the artists’ version of Ciane Xavier’s sculpture, Mercy. The exhibition will also show an immense array of artworks expressing their personal understandings on subliminal meanings behind the superficial appearances of a picture and object.

“In such times, talk about mercy may seem more like wishful thinking. But mercy matters – now more than ever.”

Mercy derived from the Latin word merces- meaning price paid or wages. Another Latin original root word for mercy is misericordia- miseriae signifies misery and cord/cordia means heart. It is a heart-centered act of showing compassion or sparing a person from one’s pain.

We all live in a world filled with chaos, fear, and skepticism. Whether you live a grandiose life or a simple one, there is and will always be a time wherein you will experience hardships and difficulties. In that certain situation, what more would you ask from the mad world but to spare you from more challenges? We plead for favors, kindness, and help to lessen the weight off your shoulders.

Mercy is about expressing tenderness and extending help when someone is in distress; offering forgiveness to go easy on those who are suffering; giving out your thoughts and concerns to others, even if you do not know what battle they are going through. It is inevitable to feel discomfort, pain, angst, and fear. Just as how you want to lessen all of that heavy baggage, other people would want the same thing for themselves. You read in between the lines of an insane plot called life and you take a moment and reflect on what can you do to make things at ease for you and for the people around you. At the end of the day, the most humane thing you can do in a chaotic world is to be kind and merciful. It not only gives others relief from more hardships but it also benefits you by giving yourself peace of mind.

Written by Coleen Wong

IN BETWEEN THE LINES is on view from May 1, 2021 – May 22, 2021. 

Explore the exhibition online on EXPERIENCES