Exhibitions

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

In the enchanting spirit of the book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, wonder, imagination, and boundless curiosity come together – sparking creativity in those who dare to follow their own white rabbit. Curiosity is a powerful guide, leading dreamers and creators into realms of magic and marvels. And as for Daniel dela Cruz, his own curiosity has revealed a world of whimsical wonders, giving new meaning to the classic story.

Daniel dela Cruz reinterprets the story of Alice in Wonderland once again, focusing on the innocence of Alice and the quirkiness of the characters she meets during her adventures. In contrast to the chaotic, surreal nature of Wonderland depicted in Lewis Carroll's original tale, in Back at the Tea Party, dela Cruz brings a delicate, introspective touch to the story, emphasizing Alice's purity and vulnerability. Through his signature use of brass, copper and other metals, he creates intricate sculptures that embody both fragility and strength, highlighting the tension between Alice's childlike curiosity, wonder and the challenging world around her.

The characters Alice meets, such as the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter, are revisited with a focus on their roles as forces that test her innocence. The Cheshire Cat, with its knowing grin and ability to appear and disappear, symbolizes the ambiguity of adulthood and the uncertainty that comes with growing up. The Queen of Hearts represents the harsh, arbitrary demands of authority that threaten to suppress Alice's purity. The Mad Hatter's eccentricity, in turn, reflects the insanity and unpredictability of life's challenges. Dela Cruz juxtaposes these complex figures with Alice's delicate, enduring form, celebrating her resilience amidst the absurdity and chaos of Wonderland.

Through these sculptural interpretations, Dela Cruz offers a deeper, more introspective exploration of Alice's journey, using Wonderland as a metaphor for the trials of growing up while maintaining innocence and purity in a world that constantly tests both. Further, Back at the Tea Party aims to prove that the powers of curiosity, imagination, and determination know no bounds, encouraging viewers to explore their own journeys of self-discovery. Much like Alice’s personal journey, the exhibition is a great lesson learned; a reminder that most extraordinary experiences often begin with a single leap of curiosity.

"Back at the Tea Party" by Daniel dela Cruz will be on view at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell from November 7 – 17, 2024 with an Artist Reception on November 16, Saturday from 5 to 9 PM. The Galerie is located at the R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

For inquiries, contact Galerie Joaquin at +63 915 414 5502 or email galeriejoaquinrockwell@gmail.com.

About the Artist

Daniel dela Cruz’s (b. 1966) journey to becoming an artist began during his childhood; he was fond of creating indistinguishable forms out of clay. A Filipino by birth and sensibility, his natural artistic skills were discovered during his freshman year at college and gained him a measure of fame.

In 2006, he mounted his first solo exhibition, Kandungan, themed as a tribute to women and giving birth to what would be his signature and trademark: robust women defined with grace, strength, and wonderful movement. This initial success led to a second exhibit of works called Parangal, in April 2008. The artist’s tribute to Christ featured gaunt, elongated forms which were a dramatic contrast to the robust women of Kandungan. In less than a year, the word about Daniel dela Cruz was out.

Internationally, Daniel brought the Philippines honor and fame by winning the coveted Gold medal for the “Festival of Nativities” in Rome, Italy in December 2008. Daniel’s Nativity sculptures won the highest honor in a field of 131 entries from 71 countries. The professional designer-turned-artist now had a following within Manila’s art community, and along the way, had raised the bar for the established contemporary sculptors in the country.