Junjun Ablaza: At peace with the present of presence
Junjun Ablaza is not your typical artist with a tortured soul.
In fact he is the opposite of that. True, the picture of your troubled creative genius is much romanticized in history books but if art is a reflection of one’s soul, wouldn’t it be better to experience it from someone at peace with himself?
For his current exhibition, which opened last weekend during his birthday at the Manila Polo Club, Junjun worked on incorporating his avant-garde pieces of clothing and accessories — incorporating larger-than-life and fantasy, large-scale photographs — in a collaboration between he and his team of photographers, makeup artists and stylists. The result? His annual expression of tints, textures and tastes titled “AblazAblaze,” this time in black and white.
Each year AblazAblaze presents an explosion of colors mounted on mannequins, on walls and on tablescapes splattered across an entire hall. This time, the much-awaited one-night-only event tracked Junjun’s journey into his whimsical “artwear and artcessories.” Belvedere cocktails were served to the lifestyle influencers that normally attend Junjun’s fetes. Aside from that, a centerpiece installation used Moet & Chandon bottles that made for thirst-inducing art.
Ablaza and Abundance
The thing about whimsy is that it is never predictable, just like the artist who never fails to turn heads with his over-the-top eclectic sartorial style, in his own unique, quiet way. Those who know Junjun well know that he is quite the soft-spoken fellow. His work, deep and imaginative, speaks for itself.
The artist is centered at the core. He once read Spencer Johnson’s The Precious Present and a “eureka” moment occurred: a deeper sense of peace, happiness and fulfillment enveloped Junjun and this became the foundation of his current creations. Proceeds from the night went to the UP-PGH Children’s Cancer Ward. Giving back on your birthday — now, isn’t that the mark of a true wise man?
The present’s present allows for clarity, a creativity that flows and allows the artist to produce more work that amazes and inspires. Blessings come in the form of friends and family, and we all know that the Ablazas are in abundance of that. What does tomorrow hold for Junjun Ablaza? A future filled with more and more, for sure. But for now, let’s enjoy the present.
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