Puying is an artist who is heavily influenced by fairytales and other forms of storytelling in her work. Her art explores the balance between playful and morbid themes, drawing inspiration from the stories and imagery of fairytales she loved as a child. She has also been influenced by her early years of learning art in Vigan, a city in the Philippines, and a year she spent in Indonesia. During this time, she was likely exposed to different artistic techniques and materials, such as terracotta, wire, metal, and batik painting. From there, she focused on painting, which likely allowed her to experiment with different styles and concepts, drawing from her own experiences and other inspirations she found along the way.
"Kapatid" is a artwork that is named after the Tagalog word for "sibling," which refers to someone who is cut from the same umbilical cord, symbolizing the bond of family and the connection that exists between siblings. The artwork is described as exploring the idea of having a home to come back to, regardless of the path a person takes in life or how far they travel. It seems that the artist, Puying, is conveying the message that the bond of family is always there as an anchor and support system, a place of refuge and comfort.
The composition of the artwork, depicting a mother with her children, can also serve to reinforce the message of the importance of family and the bond between siblings.
"Find Me in the Future" is an artwork that depicts a view from within a house. The interior of the house is decorated with green wooden walls, and the view out of the window appears to be of a dawn or dusk sky, creating an atmosphere that is contemplative and serene. The painting evokes feelings of introspection and longing, inviting the viewer to imagine the possibilities of the future and the hope that comes with a new day.
The artwork can be understood as a deeply personal artwork that serves as a portal to her own past. Puying is using the painting as a way to recreate a window to a time and place that has since changed, drawing on her own memories, as well as the memories of her mother and sisters, to construct a representation of her childhood home. The artwork serves as a way for her to memorialize and pay tribute to her family's past life. The artwork's title "Find Me in the Future" can be seen as a reference to the way that the past continues to shape and inform the present, and the desire to be able to reconnect with that past in the future.
The artwork serves as a reflection on the passage of time and how it shapes our memories and our experiences, as well as how home and family serve as a foundation for our personal identity. The view of a dawn or dusk sky through the window may also symbolize the idea that the past and future are always in a state of flux, always in a process of becoming something new. The green wooden walls, could also be seen as a metaphor of the stability and continuity of home, a constant in the ever-changing world.
"Kabangis" is another artwork by Puying, that is a visual exploration of the bond between siblings. The painting features two people, who are connected to each other, literally opening up to one another, conveying a message of vulnerability, trust and open communication. The artwork is described as a way to reflect on the bond between siblings, which is represented by the Ilocano word "Kabagis" meaning "shared intestine", represents the closeness and connection that exists between siblings, they feel and experience emotions together, with the painting is a reflection of that.
The artwork is a representation of the artist's understanding and fascination with the bond between siblings, as well as her exploration of the relationship between materials, forms and concepts. Puying's style is deeply personal, she tends to use symbolism and metaphor, as well as an evocative color palette to convey deep emotions and ideas. The artwork suggests that she may be particularly interested in exploring the themes of family, connection, and vulnerability, and how these themes are represented in the human form and in the natural world.
The painting "Pahinga" is one that reflects the idea of taking a break, a moment of rest and recharge, the artist, Puying, has captured this idea in the form of a bedroom. The neutral tones and the use of acrylic paint gives the painting a sense of simplicity, serenity, and tranquility. The title "Pahinga" which means a break or a rest in Tagalog, gives the painting an added layer of meaning, and reinforces the message that the artist is trying to convey, the importance of taking time for ourselves to recharge and gather our strength.
The artist emphasizes the need for getting fresh air, sun, and cuddles which could be seen as symbolizing the comfort of home, family, and loved ones in helping us find a sense of calm and balance in our lives. The painting conveys the message that it's okay to take a step back and take care of ourselves, and it encourages the viewer to prioritize their well-being and find moments of rest in their own lives.