Cover ‘Living up to My Blue China’ exhibition
‘Living up to My Blue China’ exhibition
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What is beauty but an unreachable societal standard?
For her third solo exhibition, Tracie Anglo-Dizon dives deep into the meaning of timeless beauty. Constrained by the idea of cultural conventionality, Anglo-Dizon challenges the status quo through paintings of classic iconic grace—shrouded in an auratic mystique. From Chinese porcelain to Filipina icons and even Pokemon, she plays with the boundaries between modern and classical, oriental and western, with a witty, feministic touch.
Beauty’s value belongs to the subjective and arbitrary, constantly being judged by those that see it. But Blue China is not subject to this treatment. It is perfect and immortal.
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Above ‘Catriona’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Catriona Gray
‘Catriona’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Catriona Gray
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Anglo-Dizon struggled to find what she wanted to create. ‘‘Sometimes what plagues an artist is not how to paint something, but what to paint,’’ she shares. So she went through an introspective journey and learned that she wanted to encapsulate what it meant to be a woman—using objects to symbolise beauty, jars as bodies, and plates as faces—all while capturing her ideal standard of elegance and grace—Miss Universe.
Above ‘Pia’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Pia Wurtzbach
Above ‘Margie’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Margie Moran-Floirendo
‘Pia’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Pia Wurtzbach
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Porcelain as a medium connotes beauty. Held in such high regard, blue china is unlike the ordinary we’re so used to seeing in everyday life—it is precious and impermanent. These sensuous bodies possess an enigmatic femininity, demanding perfection—always looming above our heads.
Inspired by the words of Victorian poet Oscar Wilde, ‘‘I find it harder and harder every day to live up to my blue china.’’ Anglo-Dizon captured Philippine beauty queens on their finest hours as they were crowned. These women have become objects of desire, the pinnacle of beauty, which was difficult to emulate, Anglo-Dizon says.
Also see: Jake Verzosa journeys from photography to impossible realities
Above ‘Oraia's Plait’
Above ‘Evelyn’
‘Oraia's Plait’
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In her plait series, she injects a sense of whimsy into her work while retaining the traditional decorative patterns found on porcelain. Inspired by her daughter and her girl gang, it’s a collection about identity, puberty, and the transformation into women. She notes down the little things about being a girl, whether it’s going to school in braids on Thursdays or Pokemon, these mannerisms are a symbol of solidarity. Another distinctive feature found in the paintings is the twisted flowers that resemble a loose corset. An act of defiance over fixed assumptions and a bridge from classical to contemporary.
Above ‘Gloria’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Gloria Diaz
‘Gloria’ by Tracie Anglo-Dizon, inspired by Gloria Diaz
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“My biggest piece in the show is called Gloria, after Gloria Diaz. But the shape of the jar is that of a pregnant woman. Our bodies change with time (and pregnancy) and we can't always hold on to our figures (though I try really hard!),” says Anglo-Dizon.
Above Margie (Vase)
Margie (Vase)
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Anglo-Dizon also pokes fun at established powers through one particular blue china vase. An image of an emperor immediately catches one’s eye as he vomits from his throne. The flower in containment appears to be breaking free from its bondage and grows out of it to start anew, while a single metal spike protrudes out of the side, displaying the artist's angst.
The intricate patterns and elegant oriental design of Blue China surely appeal to the eye of the viewer. The artist then adds her own narrative and flair onto each porcelain piece that draws you in and resonates with you. Be it the struggle to reach the impossibly high standard of beauty, the whimsical nature of girlhood, or an oppressive patriarchal leader, Anglo-Dizon casts a wide net that catches all of our emotions and leaves us questioning conventionality.
Tracie Anglo-Dizon’s Living Up To My Blue China opens on May 6 and runs until May 27, 2023, at Art Cube, Lower Gallery 2. Tuesdays to Saturdays 9 am to 5:30 pm Unit 104 Ground Floor, Bldg. B OPVI Centre 2295 Chino Roces Extension Avenue, Makati
If you want more of Tracie's artwork, she'll be part of a museum show at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art this May.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
