This exhibition is based on the artists’ individual take on fairy tale stories, traditionally told as bedtime stories for children. Fairy tale stories can be found in all kinds of cultures, intended to help children sleep and develop their imaginations. Some would argue that many fairy tales have hidden meanings and origins. It is not just a mere story but also contain historical narratives and events. In this exhibit, “Of Breadcrumbs, Glass Slippers, and Happily Ever After,” the artists retell classic fairy tale stories based on their artistic journeys and practices, while maintaining the elements these stories are attuned for.

Denver Garza recalls his childhood days of spending time with his sister, watching Cinderella every morning without fail. This eventually led him to focus on the elements of the story, which stuck with him until now as an adult, and ultimately, transforming his work. His work consists of acrylic, wood frame, various thread, beads, yarn and spangles. These aim to showcase an abundance of energy, which highlight the breakthrough of Cinderella’s character to reach further into her dreams. His fabric work focuses on the psyche of the protagonist, who is filled with hope despite all of what she had been through. Due to her difficult situation, she choses fantasy as a means to escape, and keeps herself afloat despite the abuse she endured.

Instead of focusing on the struggles which eventually led Cinderella to her fairy tale life, Rum Corvera uses this platform as an opportunity to focus on the villians of the story. He believes that villians also have stories to tell. He finds that there is a reality in fairy tales, which can be seen from the lives of the wicked. For him, they are misunderstood beings who have no control of what the universe has in store for them. And these villians are what makes the story interesting.

Using different materials such as beads, glitter and anything that sparkles, Grasha Non’s work explores her artistic practice, and makes use of the elements of a fairy tale. For her, fairy tales are magical stories about different creatures. She draws images from her own fairy illustrations, featuring her signature female muses, which help in her modern retelling of fairy tales. With it she combines these elements to create her own fairy tale narrative.

Gabi Nazareno employs the story of Alice as she goes on a journey of her own life’s version of Wonderland. Using watercolors to understand and navigate key characters and events from the recent past, her work aims to return her safely to the real world, finally closing those chapters in her life with detachment and gratitude.

Julieanne Ng chooses this particular story because it differs from your typical plot of meeting Prince Charming or having a Fairy Godmother to save the day. In a twist of fate, her work, entitled “Not Everything Sugar is Sweet,” consists of two objects assembled together to create a not so delectable dessert. She casts her own fingers, combining it with cast cupcakes – stripping its original use to create a narrative – giving an alternative ending for Hansel and Gretel.

Artists are a different kind of storyteller. As they are exposed to different human experiences, they materialize their stories as a way to react, reflect or escape their own realities. And sometimes finding happy endings to be just that – a fairy tale.

Written by Julieanne Ng

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