Roger Mond

“Viva! Excursionista”

The intensifying tropical heat signals the start of a seasonal pilgrimage. Filipinos seek out sandy beaches peppered with palm trees, and the blazing sun on their skin. And as a predominantly Catholic archipelago, Holy Week is observed simultaneously with summer break.

Roger Mond rides that wave of work and play in this exhibit depicting various scenarios of having fun in the sun, where the everpresent characters of the artist’s paintings face new hurdles. He taps into a specific holiday culture of the working class wherein they plan for the summer in advance, using the window of Holy Week as a time to go on getaways with family, friends, or alone.

Guilty Pleasure and Tropical Depression play on the corporate guilt of an employee going on vacation, thinking of the jobs that they left behind. While The Boat is Sinking becomes a reminder that we cannot bring our religious guilt and obligations out to sea, because in order to float, we must lighten our load. The artist notes that the renewal of devotion and solemnity required by tradition often contrasts that of momentary joy and excitement. Getting on a boat and just leaving everything behind is not that easy as portrayed by the artist in his main piece, Excursion. Whether swimming or floating, the characters are being plagued by sea monsters, portents of the looming workload that must be accomplished when vacation is over. During the short holiday afforded by this religious practice for the labor force, Maui Wowie the Calendar Girl serves as a countdown and also a reference of how many days in a year are eaten up by work. Habang Buhay shares a tinge of sadness to the series, where it depicts a prisoner – criminal or just nose deep in work – unable to enjoy the outdoors. Roger Mond sums it up best with Chillax Day. He likens Filipino workers to martyrs, who routinely brave one of the worst traffic conditions, coupled with the vulnerability toward labor malpractices. He shares, “We are martyrs and we need a break. Even God rested on the 7th day, and so should you!

– SC

To book a private viewing or to request for the digital catalogue, use the forms below or contact us at info@modeka.space , call (+63) 916 6976 671 or (02) 5310 3771.