A Narrative of Grace and Strength
“UNBRIDLED” a sculpture exhibition by Daniel dela Cruz
Words Therese Atienza
April 17, 2024
April 2024 - “Deciphering the intricacies of a woman proves challenging, for within her, a storm and tempest reside. Yet, under her masterful control, these emotional tumults propel her to soaring heights.” – Daniel dela Cruz
To grasp a woman’s soul is to traverse the delicate balance between serene beauty and enigmatic chaos. One must coexist with the other for it is what makes her soul unbroken, resilient, and humane. Daniel dela Cruz, one of the foremost sculptors of his generation, is a much celebrated talent for empowering the female perspective – a beloved subject of his since his artistic emergence in 2006.
Conquering almost 2 decades in the field, the artist’s essential motif remains, consistently creating lasting impressions rendered in a glorious fusion of mixed metals, ultimately conveying a brave message; to be a woman is to remain unfettered, to untether oneself from the patriarchal strings of constraint – influenced by psychological, societal, economical and ideological belief.
For his latest exhibition, the artist gracefully transforms elements of hard and sturdy metal into pronounced forms and lustrous silhouettes. “Understanding her requires navigating the delicate balance between the tranquil beauty and the powerful storms within, appreciating the resilience that enables her ascent to dizzying peaks, guided by the poetic intricacies of her soul,” says dela Cruz. As a result, his resplendent muses reach high above, overcoming obstacles in unbridled poses, staged in a euphoric dance to the summit.
In essence, the exhibition stands as quintessential poetry of a woman’s love, grace, and strength, contrary to life’s inherent peaks and valleys. With this, Daniel dela Cruz’s themes endure the test of time for his works transcend boundaries, capturing the eternal essence of a woman.
“UNBRIDLED” by Daniel dela Cruz will run from April 25 – May 4, 2024, with the Artist Reception on April 25, Thursday at 5 PM. Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt is located at 3F, Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati City. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas at +63 936 225 1226 or email gallerianicolasgreenbelt@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. Nonetheless, having been raised by parents who were bent on educating their five children as professionals, Daniel was expected to study and practice medicine or law. Despite his reluctance, he tried his best to please them and pursued courses in both fields. These attempts did not turn out very well but Daniel still obtained a degree in Philosophy from the prestigious University of the Philippines in 1991. Upon graduation, Daniel bravely decided to follow his heart and intuition and strike out on his own.
In 2007, 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.
