Christopher Zamora: Sorrowful Mysteries
Project Space Pilipinas is proud to present “Sorrowful Mysteries,” a collection of new paintings by former NEAR Manila resident artist Christopher Zamora.
Taking its title from one of the four mysteries of the Holy Rosary, “Sorrowful Mysteries” at its clear-cut representation, reflects upon the current social and spiritual condition in the country today. Being one of the biggest Catholic nations in Asia, it is without saying that faith plays a vital role in the daily lives of many Filipinos. Religion in the Philippines was not something to be practiced once a week or occasionally, but rather a force governing our everyday lives. Making the sign of the cross prior to almost every important undertaking we are to carry out is only natural to many of us. We often whisper our own personal prayers for good luck and guidance whenever we embark on a journey or making important decisions that may change our life. Indeed, our faith is the same divine energy that gives us direction and confidence to survive the day to day l
iving.As the artist noted, the idea of “Sorrowful Mysteries” originally, stemmed out from his body of work that tackles various human struggles to escape and get out of the harsh realities brought by poverty. Regardless of the continuing global economic predicament everyone is dealing with, depression in the country is a commonplace image explicitly manifested in our daily actions. Many Filipinos, more than ever, are still hoping for instant relief from indigence through different ways such as playing lotto or joining game and reality shows on TV. Moreover, church goers are growing consistently as life gets tougher everyday. Many are praying harder, wishing for miracles and solution to their seemingly endless destitution.
