Keeping things fluid

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THE IDEA of fluidity inspired the works of artists Ian Inoy and Lara Latosa which are now on view in the two-artist exhibition titled – naturally —�� “Fluidity” at the Nuzen Art Gallery.

“We thought about different concepts like [the] advocacy for the environment. In the end, we settled with ‘Fluidity’ since the theme can be interpreted in different ways,” Ms. Latosa said in an e-mail to ����ý.

To be fluid, as described in the exhibition catalog, “is to be able to flow freely” and its indefinite structure “undergoes plenty of changes.”

Ms. Latosa interprets “fluidity” with brush strokes mimicking the movement of waves with ocean-inspired hues, accented with gold.

“I played there, making the background play from light to dark, mimicking the feeling of being underwater where one part is completely dark as an abyss, and the other a beam of light,” she said.

Two of the works — Depth of the Ocean and Near the Surface — Ms. Latosa’s tribute to diving. “I relate to these because I used to free dive few years back. It’s a time where I can play in the ocean and there’s nothing but silence and an entirely different world below.”

The gold waves accent is a detail found in most of her works. “It’s a signature style for me since I mix my own gold palette. So, looking closely at my work, I want it to have some elegance with varying gold hues that’s different from using other techniques.”

In contrast, Disrupting Colors focuses on a monochrome image of waves excluding the gold accent.

INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC
Meanwhile, multidisciplinary artist Ian Inoy’s expression of “fluidity” through the process of mixing neon and pastel paints, and scattered elements.

“In making art, there are certain rules that we must follow, and I have nothing against that. However, I think because it’s always a nature of mine to break through norms, I tried to create an approach wherein I express myself further, allowing my decisions and uncontrollable circumstances and elements to move my art the way it wants to,” Mr. Inoy said in an e-mail.

His works are made with rocks, beads, fish bait, resin, glitter, and “every gay material that he can find.”

Mr. Inoy said his works were titled after the popular songs or gay anthems that the gender fluid artist was singing and dancing along to while assembling materials and mixing colors — Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” and Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Cut to the Feeling.”

“I make sure the emotions felt at the moment are encapsulated in the chosen material. It’s somewhat like scrapbooking in a sense,” he said.

With the use of new and scrap materials, Mr. Inoy also hopes that viewers are made aware of their current environment.

“I’m always proud of the incorporation of treated junk and scraps in my work. It just makes me giddy thinking of how I lessen solid waste one step at a time without having to compromise my creativity,” he said.

A new series of artworks by Mr. Inoy, also named after songs, will be shown at the upcoming “Art in the Park” online opening on July 25. He is also working on another two-man show and group exhibition this month.

As for Ms. Latosa, her works are also featured in an ongoing exhibit in honor of Junyee at the Altro Mondo Gallery, along with those of over 80 artists. She is also working on private projects with collectors, galleries, and interior design-related businesses.

“Fluidity” runs until July 15 at Nuzen Art Gallery () in Tagaytay City. View the e-catalog at . The gallery can be visited via scheduled appointments (contact Dia Magculang at 0906-315-3710). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) safety protocols are implemented at the gallery, which include the mandatory wearing of face shields and face masks. For more information, visit the artists’ websites at and . — Michelle Anne P. Soliman