Willem Ven Heythuysen & Inspiration

 

Artist/s: Kyler Pahang

Location: 3rd floor

Description: In this series of paintings, Willem Van Heythuysen, 2018; and Inspiration, 2019, the artist is focusing on empowering and celebrating cultures.

Kyler Pahang was born in the United States of America to parents who are both from the Philippines,  from the provinces of Cebu and Bohol. The culture Kyler represents in their work is Filipino — a society that has been shaped and influenced by the colonization and occupation of the Spanish for 300 years, the Americans for 50 years, and the Japanese for 3 years.

The figure is Filipino — she stands holding her spear, adorned with fabrics and embellishments from the Northern Luzon region. She is in a position of power. Her stature is derived from the portraits of the European Spanish upper class as depicted in the paintings of Goya, Pacheco and Velazquez. The pose is specifically from Fran’s Halls, a Dutch painter.

Inspiration, 2019 is a further exploration of the artist’s Filipino background through constant questions in relation to the artist’s history, values, influences, and education. The figure is neither descending nor ascending, she is in a liminal space. Memories depicted by images of Filipino historical events such as the Spanish-Filipino war, American-Filipino war, Japanese-Filipino  war, photos taken from the artist’s visits to the Philippines, and images of their own history, are covered by the lush tropical overgrowth that is evocative of the Philippines.

Composition/materials: Willem Van Heythuysen: oil on canvas ; Inspiration: collage and oil on canvas

Year: Willem Van Heythuysen, 2018; and Inspiration, 2019

Awards: Director’s Art award and supported by Mary Gates Scholarship.