Back at the Tea Party

November 7 – 17, 2024
Gallery Joaquin, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center
Makati City

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

In the enchanting spirit of the book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, wonder, imagination and boundless curiosity come together – sparking creativity in those who dare to follow their white rabbit. Curiosity is a powerful guide, leading dreamers and creators into realms of magic and marvels. And as for Daniel dela Cruz, his curiosity has revealed a world of whimsical wonders, giving new meaning to the classic story.

Daniel dela Cruz reinterprets the story of Alice in Wonderland once again, focusing on the innocence of Alice and the quirkiness of the characters she meets during her adventures. In contrast to the chaotic, surreal nature of Wonderland depicted in Lewis Carroll’s original tale, in Back at the Tea Party, dela Cruz brings a delicate, introspective touch to the story, emphasizing Alice’s purity and vulnerability. Through his signature use of brass, copper, and other metals, he creates intricate sculptures embody both fragility and strength, highlighting the tension between Alice’s childlike curiosity, wonder, and the challenging world around her.

The characters Alice meets, such as the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the Mad Hatter, are revisited with a focus on their roles as forces that test her innocence. The Cheshire Cat, with its knowing grin and ability to appear and disappear, symbolizes the ambiguity of adulthood and the uncertainty that comes with growing up. The Queen of Hearts represents the harsh, arbitrary demands of authority that threaten to suppress Alice’s purity. The Mad Hatter’s eccentricity, in turn, reflects the insanity and unpredictability of life’s challenges. Dela Cruz juxtaposes these complex figures with Alice’s delicate, enduring form, celebrating her resilience amidst the absurdity and chaos of Wonderland.

Through these sculptural interpretations, Dela Cruz offers a deeper, more introspective exploration of Alice’s journey, using Wonderland as a metaphor for the trials of growing up while maintaining innocence and purity in a world that constantly tests both. Further, Back at the Tea Party aims to prove that the powers of curiosity, imagination, and determination know no bounds, encouraging viewers to explore their journeys of self-discovery. Much like Alice’s personal journey, the exhibition is a great lesson learned; a reminder that most extraordinary experiences often begin with a single leap of curiosity.


Daniel dela Cruz

Related articles to this exhibit:​​

https://manilastandard.net/lifestyle/314519479/sculptor-daniel-dela-cruz-reimagines-alice-in-wonderland.html

https://lifestyleasia-onemega.com/back-at-the-tea-party-daniel-dela-cruz-takes-viewers-into-the-rabbit-hole/