Cosmos
2017
mixed media
38" x 12" x 12" (97 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm)
Accompanied by a certificate issued by ArtInformal andsigned by the artist confirming the authenticity of this lot

EXHIBITEDArtinformal Gallery, Within, Mandaluyong City, June 8 - July 8, 2017

Daniel dela Cruz’s Cosmos was among the works exhibited at his 2017 solo exhibit titled Within. The show itself sought to explore and communicate the often vague and transitory nature of dreams and our own consciousness. According to writer Gian Cruz “In these new works by dela Cruz, bodies now lay in a dream state and induce the twin illusion of fluidity and ephemerality. They evoke a strong sense of vulnerability while appearing languid. It is a subtle but immense paradox as these bodies are rendered predominantly in metal and clear transparent resin.” This approach to the exhibit is very much seen in Cosmos. In the work we see a human figure seemingly suspended in a position that implies sleep or slumber. The figure is surrounded by stars and, more importantly, an astrological chart. This belief in astrology, or that the stars guide and chart our lives is a common conviction found in different cultures across the world. But such confidence is not present in this particular piece. Instead, dela Cruz seemingly implies, in the grand scheme of things, we are merely floating or transitory ephemeral beings, looking for meaning in things beyond us when in fact such things are present within ourselves. Though Daniel de la Cruz’s unique and meticulously crafted sculptures showcase the artist’s profound and intuitive artistic talents, de la Cruz was not originally inclined to the arts as he is today. De la Cruz’s parents were bent on educating their children as professionals such as lawyers or doctors. This goal was eventually obstructed by de la Cruz’s love for the arts, a passion that grew on him during his freshman year in college. After graduating with a degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines Diliman, de la Cruz decided to pursue his passion and shifted to doing art full time.