In her latest exhibit, Traces of Infinity, Impy Pilapil explores the higher purpose of humanity through the lens of Anthroposophy — a school of thought, founded by Rudolph Steiner, which believes that human beings can access a spiritual world.
The esotericist, who practiced disciplines oriented towards the development of mankind, theorized that, at one point, individuals are attuned to forces that are beyond the natural world.
Pilapil, an award-winning sculptor who specializes in profound bodies of work, serves as a messenger about living in harmony with nature and knowing the place of humans in the grand scheme of the universe. In Traces of Infinity, part of the lauded Of Art and Wine series of Conrad Manila, she exemplifies these in otherworldly pieces such as Celestial Way Equinox and Celestial Will Solstice which seem to depict heavenly bodies in orbit.
Beckoning I and Terra Scintilla I both feature living beings that seem less than human.
Pilapil recalls the story of Atlantis, a romanticized ideal of an advanced, ancient civilization which eventually fell despite its ingenuity.
“From the time of Plato to this day, it has been used as a parallel to utopian city-states in literature, inspiring numerous authors in fiction and fantasy writing, including lecturers in the Social Sciences, Philosophy, and the Arts. And yet, despite all the fantastic innovation at its premise, Atlantis still failed to endure — left to its fate after losing favor from the divine,” she said.
“Perhaps when humans reach pinnacles of progress and technical perfection, man loses empathy and humility. And as each new advancement is achieved, more questions and dilemmas are formed,” said Pilapil.
Another theme she explored was flight — that this brand-new perspective provided civilization a way to view the world through the clouds. As we advanced through aviation, ironically, we likewise discovered great mysteries such as the Nazca Lines in Peru, a 1,000 square kilometer geoglyph etched onto desert sands, which might have only been possible through primitive means of flying.
“My personal quest has always been to find true meaning and purpose through art. Whether the path begins from within the pages of a fantasy novel or the wonders of the natural and higher worlds, wherever it may lead, I will always find traces,“ she added.
Traces of Infinity is curated by Nes Jardin, consultant of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, the impetus behind the Of Art and Wine series, which serves as an avenue for blooming newbies to renowned awardees.
Of Art and Wine: Traces of Infinity runs at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C from 26 October 2022 to 7 January 2023. For inquiries or reservations, call (632) 8833-9999 or email conradmanila@conradhotels.com.