Paradiso Inferno

Jason Montinola brings a unique perspective to the exhibition space through his exploration of the themes of Paradise and Hell. His background, deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of literary influences and personal spiritual experiences informs his approach in the curation of the works in this show.

Just like the ancient Roman poet Virgil, Beatrice, and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux who served as guides to Dante Alighieri in his epic poem Divina Commedia, Montinola invites us to journey with him to explore the realms that we have considered perfect and monstrous with the same adoring eye.

Paradise: Curating Utopian Visions

Montinola chose pieces that best represent our deep and inner longing for peace and perfection. The Paradise that we know and comprehend is but an imperfect vision of the true and ideal Paradise and what if Paradise if not being with God who is perfect and good? This can be seen in the works of Dalmacio, Baluyot, Fabella, Deniega, Ricohermoso, and Espino visualizing beauty, fulfillment, and tranquility into tangible structures and form.

Hell: A state of eternal struggle.

In Montinola’s exploration of Hell, he delves into the darker, more complex aspects of human nature. What are the moral dilemmas, inner conflicts, and demons that we struggle with? Cruz, Jacintos, Sulit, Lee, Sanchez, and Sy bring these struggles to life. They serve as a warning to the unrepentant of the inescapable presence of God but with with his face turned against them forever.

Paradise + Hell is Montinola’s narrative journey traversing the spectrum of human experience, from the heights of utopia to the depths of moral despair. It is an invitation for reflection to willfully recognize and reject Paradise and Hell as markers of our souls journey toward God.