AUGUST

August by Maya Munoz
October 27, 2010, Wednesday
6-9pm

Maya Muñoz describes August as a portrait of Agnes, a character from Milan Kunderas’ book entitled Immortality. Interestingly enough, Muñoz rarely does portraits, but when she does, it is usually of one person. And this time, for this show, Agnes is that one.

Muñoz’s Agnes is based on a character who so captivated the author, Kunderas, with a simple gesture. In the book, Agnes is at a swimming pool, and as she is leaving, she turns to the lifeguard and makes a gesture with her hands… something she has probably done all her life. This launches Kunderas’ story about the unexplained and random components that make up a person’s essence.

Similarly, Muñoz tries to capture Agnes. She explains: “I've read that book a long time ago but the image of Agnes has also always been with me.” With one large painting and small drawings, she captures what it is that people will remember about a person long after her youth has expired, and even long after her death. It is not so much about her face, but about the nuances – “her silhouette, her jaw line, her favorite hairdo”.

To Muñoz, August is a “cut out with few general details that define the person for us”. Named after the month she began working is a show that preserves the essence that remains.

August by Maya Muñoz runs simultaneously with Blind Field: Photography and Place curated by Wawi Navarroza in Silverlens and Wet Paint by Elaine Roberto-Navas, curated by Roberto Chabet in SLab until Novermber 20, 2010.

With special thanks to The Drawing Room. For inquiries, contact Silverlens Gallery at 2/F YMC Bldg. II, 2320 Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati, 816-0044, 0917-5874011, or manage@silverlensphoto.com. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 10am–7pm and Saturdays 1–6pm. www.silverlensphoto.com / slab.silverlensphoto.com.

Words: Bea Davila; Image: Maya Munoz, August (detail), 2010