Carving Dignity Out of Scraps

“Narinig niyo na ba ang mga balita ng ating panahon?
Narinig niyo na ba ang mga kwento ng kariniwang tao?
Sa kanayunan doon masasaksihan mga pangyayaring ‘di inaasahan
Sa mga taong tali sa kahirapan.”

-Buklod, Isang Kwento ng Ating Panahon

In an age buzzing with updates of contemporary life, where stories of the mundane unfold against the backdrop of unseen rural struggles, Jeanroll Ejar unveils his first solo exhibition at Pablo gallery, entitled “Indigent,” a defiant challenge not only to the label but also to the fate often ascribed to its subjects.

Crafting delicate yet resilient art pieces from hardwood scraps, Ejar confronts the notion of indigence, transforming discarded materials into breathtakingly detailed depictions of quiet strength. His mastery in intricately carving mats and household implements from repurposed wood reveals not just an artist’s hand but a storyteller’s heart. With every precise stroke, Ejar breathes life into these remnants, etching his family’s narrative onto these wooden canvases.

Jeanroll is an alchemist sublimating the struggles and grit of the people dearest to him, into subtle and sensuous conversation pieces. More than a protest against societal stigmatization, Ejar’s artworks embody an earnest endeavor to evoke empathy. His sculptures, while seemingly smooth and flawless, bear intentional imperfections—carved holes and visible flaws that beckon viewers to touch and feel the tangible evidence of struggle. Through the tactile, yet subdued expression, Ejar invites us to connect intimately with the stories of hardship, violence and resilience embedded within his sculptures.

By welcoming us into the narratives embedded in their sanctuaries—within the walls of woven mats that symbolize fragile boundaries—Ejar unveils the vulnerability of marginalized communities. In “Indigent,” he elevates their overlooked plights, elevating these frayed mats from mere shelters to dignified edifices, immortalizing the resilience of their inhabitants. Pushed to the edge by circumstances, these individuals, much like the materials Ejar works with, polish their existence till they emerge as enduring gems, steadfast against the trials of time and nature.

Through his sculptures, Ejar carves a testament to the unyielding spirit of those on the margins with graceful sensitivity. Each carefully crafted piece serves as a memorial to the untold stories and the formidable characters dwelling within the oft-forgotten corners of society.

About the artist

Jeanroll Ejar is a true Renaissance artist with a dazzling array of creative talents encompassing drawing, painting, wood carving, and sculpture. Hailing from Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, and nurtured in the vibrant culture of Iloilo City, Jeanroll’s artistic odyssey is a tapestry woven with his diverse cultural influences and life experiences.

Before fully immersing himself in the world of conceptual art, Jeanroll honed his skills as a furniture designer and a wood carver in his father’s furniture shop. This stint not only refined his craftsmanship but also imparted a profound understanding of materials and forms, seamlessly integrated into his artworks.

Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, the wonders of nature, and the human condition and the society, Jeanroll’s creations mirror his deep reverence for the world’s beauty and intricacies. His art navigates the realms of profound themes and emotions, inviting viewers on a thought-provoking journey.

Credits: 
1. Exhibit statement is by Alee Garibay
2. Photos are from the Facebook post of Patrick Ang