Physics and the physical world are a pervasive element in artistic production. American sculptor Alexander Calder (d. 1976) showed that art could also be demonstrative of the physical world, that it can capture ethereal essence. His kinetic mobiles were precision pieces that exhibited an awareness of balance and movement.
The same spirit is shown in Arnel Borja’s new exhibition “F8,” which will open the new art year at the SM Megamall Art Center.
Borja demonstrates his idea of balance in new works that make use of fulcrums to achieve the necessary weights and counterweights of the concept.
An aeronautical engineer, Borja worked with Philippine Airlines as a graphic artist, designing technical manuals’ mechanical illustrations of aircraft. He later on pursued interior design, becoming an instructor at the Philippine Institute of Interior Design. He tried painting, then sculpture.
His work was featured in 2001 in World Sculpture News, in an article written by eminent art critic Alice Guillermo. “Mathematics and physics are central to his art,” she wrote. “These large works are based on the principle of fulcrum balance which they extend its existence in theory to reality in tangible form. Fulcrum balance is the very crux of these sculptures because it is around this that sculptures revolve, both mathematically and literally.”
“F8” is pronounced as “faith” and looks to the divine as a sort of clock builder, who sets all the physical forces in motion.
“F8” will preview on Jan. 6 and formally open Jan. 8. It will run until Jan. 13. SM Art Center is located at the 4/F, SM Megamall Building A, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. Call 5709495; e-mail galeriefrancesca.mega@gmail.com.