Claude Tayag's Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross series by Claude Tayag will be on display at the Glass Lane, Third floor of Ayala Museum beginning March 17, 2010. In this series, the artist portrays each dramatic encounter in the Passion of Jesus Christ through single crossed wooden poles to suggest the human figure. By depicting the scenes through elemental abstractions, by using bare and faceless polished wood, Tayag offers a sublime experience to viewers. The posture and gesture of each figure capture in abstraction the essential emotions in each encounter.  Through faceless and elemental abstractions, Tayag reaches into the innermost spaces of mind and soul.

Claude Tayag is an accomplished painter, sculptor, furniture designer, a handy chef, food and travel columnist. Primarily a self-taught artist, Tayag took up architecture and economics courses at the University of the Philippines. He considers the late writer/painter Emilio "Abe" Aguilar Cruz as his greatest influence and mentor. He first entered into the Manila art scene in 1978, exhibiting watercolor paintings of Philippine folk festivals, religious images, and cordillera landscapes, works characterized by a forceful spontaneity and raw vigor. Since 1990, he has been venturing into functional and sculptural wood pieces.  Tayag's exploration with wood has allowed him to supersede the limitations of an essentially rigid material, achieving limitless volume and sensuous plasticity with his wave and curvilinear series.

Stations of the Cross will run until 16 May 2010. For details and inquiries, please call 757-7117 to 21 local 28 or email inquiries@ayalamuseum.org.