Michael Cacnio Sees Red
By Lito Zulueta
Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 31, 2006

MICHAEL CACNIO turns to social commentary in “Reflections in Red,” until Aug. 3 at the MuseumSpace, 2/F, Ayala Museum.
It seems only a matter of time for the young sculptor to turn to social criticism; his earlier works for which he has won acclaim are scenes of folksy idyll and bucolic romance. They basically betray the artist’s romantic temperament: a pining for things either vanishing or gone, a betrayal of panic as change and debasement become inevitable.

The romantic feeling, of course, hides an undercurrent of anger for the despoliation of nature; it’s noble anger at the disappearance of noble savagery. So it is just a matter of time for Cacnio to turn his art into a mordant piece of social protest.

“Reflections in Red” does that, and more. He trains his sculptural spotlight on vices and depredations, and the result is brass works twisted into the distortions of human nature.

These aren’t beautiful portraits: a pharisaic man showing off his piety in “Santong Kabayo,” the ass’ tail literally projecting from his behind; a man grappled down by the hands of naysayers issuing from holes in the rocks, like crabs, in “Crab Mentality.” These are pictures of ugly vices and ugly men.

The artistry, of course, comes with the expert, nearly beautiful rendering of such obnoxious people and repulsive scenes. The deformation of brass and steel perfectly renders the warped characters and their warped worlds.

With such expertise at art and sensibility, the red color strategically placed in certain areas of the figures would merely be a final polish, an interjection at so much imagery of man’s capacity for baseness.

But the ugliness works because Cacnio could provide convenient contrasts, ideals of beauty. This is evident in “Man and Nature,” a graceful rendering of the human reaching out to possibilities and fulfillment, while rooted on nature and its intrinsic goodness. The lithe, elongated figure seems a wink at Giacometti, but its tendril-like extension at things of the spirit conjures El Greco.

“Reflections in Red” is social commentary at its most trenchant, but also a spiritual testament at its most moving.

“Reflections in Red” is produced by Canvas, is a non-stock, nonprofit organization raising awareness of the arts and the environment, as well as promoting young artistic careers.