Fight to Live, Live for Life
(Words by G. A. Capanang and Lin)
PJ Cabanalan’s art is largely influenced by thoughts, emotions, and experiences derived from the countryside where he grew up. His art is his refuge, and comfort. It releases his imagination, creativity, and productivity.
In this project and in each artwork, Cabanalan offers visions of two different lives that he has lived - the quiet ambience of the countryside, and the negative energy of the urban realm that nonetheless contained seeds for his growth and realization.
“Fight to Live, Live for Life” affirms that we need to broaden our perspective and be open to novel ideas and opportunities. Cabanalan reminds us that new, even if sometimes shocking environments can elevate life. Life is precious, if difficult. Life is has not been lived until one has experienced fighting for it. We should fight to live because we always have reasons to live our life.
A FOREST WALK
36x24 inches
oil on canvas (2020)
Technology can overwhelm, and take over our minds. Our lives seem pasted on the screen. We lose focus, and become unproductive. Modernity disappoints, rather than, empowers us.
A walk - in the forest, or on the road at 5am, or under the stars at midnight - can rejuvenate and revive the artistry within us.
A walk can make us forget everything, so that we can again find ourselves and find peace of mind, even amidst this seemingly never-ending pandemic.
THE DESIRE
36x24 inches
oil on canvas (2020)
Money is power, and also an absolute necessity. Money allows us to fulfill daily needs, wants and desire. Money is survival.
It is not the end in itself, but the desire for it is as unavoidable as the desire to uplift and improve one’s life.
THE CHILD AT THE COUNTRYSIDE
36x24 inches, oil on canvas (2020)
Growing up in the province, where life is simple, was a blessing. City life was so foreign, and dropping into it, disorienting. It is easy to be led astray in the city where temptations, negativeness, and insecurities are everywhere.
We are strong enough to adjust, and adapt. But the countryside will always be home.
DON’T TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY
36x24 inches, oil on canvas (2020)
Life is hard, maybe because we can push ourselves too hard. We need to take our work and dreams seriously if we are to reach our potential. But of what use would all that be, if we cannot at the same time, enjoy life.
The joy can and must be found in the journey. Finding joy, even when life is hard, is the challenge.
LIFE IS FULL OF ADJUSTMENT
36x24 inches, oil on canvas (2020)
Change is unending. We know it coming and yet it is often so unexpected: the death of a loved one, new opportunities or economic loss, changing relationships with people around us, changes caused by natural events beyond our control.
In the moment, change can be good or bad, but over the long run, it probably is neither. It simply is. We have to flow with, understand and adapt through it.
Acceptance is key, and courage allows us to enter the door to the new life.
LITTLE SPARK TO LIGHT UP MY LIFE
36x24 inches, oil on canvas (2020)
It's just a spark, but it's enough to keep me going.
-from “Last Hope” by Paramore
Sometimes even a little light is all we need. It can be our guide to escape the darkness. Even in a time of despair, death, negativity, suffering, and insecurities, light exists. Hope lives.
Allowing ourselves to hope gives us permission to give others the same.
THE POWER OF THE POOR
36x24 inches, oil on canvas (2020)
Being poor can be an advantage. It can drive, even inspire one to work harder in order to make life easier, happier and more productive.
Being poor only makes not taking one’s opportunities for education ever for granted. Take education seriously. Stop with the unnecessary distractions of social media. Live your life.
Being poor is never an excuse to stop learning.
REALITY IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT WE SEE
36x24 inches, oil on canvas (2020)
Some people spend most of their time pursuing things that do not really matter. They fail to see that some things, like money or social media, are only tools. Chasing them incessantly betrays their never ending discontent with themselves and their world.
It is easier to see them in the cities where the superficial seems to abound. In the city, we can easily be distracted from what is truly important, unlike in the rural areas where life is simpler and goals are clearer.
About the artist
Born in Brgy. Dorog, Leon, Iloilo, Paul John “PJ” Cabanalan won the grand prize in the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) for the Oil/Acrylic category in 2017, and was a national finalist at the Philippine Art Awards in 2018.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Iloilo Science and Technology University.
PJ Cabanalan is an ardent painter of place, using the medium of oil to give praise to all the spaces that are inextricably linked with his life and that of his family. A constant subject matter of his art, these spaces - strongly reminiscent of flora and fauna, and humming with the very notes of creation - feed his creativity and imagination.