Raw imageries of exposure and vulnerability.
Hubad, sakit at agam.
Manuel Gomez and Pamela Maceda sets the studio for a collection of works that feel like fragmented pieces of different entities and emotional experiences.
All eventually bleeding into and converging as single, shared wound.
The Artists And Their Spaces
The duo exhibition “Wala(t)” featuring visual artists Manuel Gomez and Pamela Maceda just recently opened on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at KalawakanSpacetime. Located at the Mezzanine of the Casa Bella Building, this artist-run space has been around since 2017 under co-creative directors Gabriel Naguiat and Jan Sunday. Over the years, it has carved out a unique home for the underground scene and its subcultures.
Interestingly, Pamela shared that they originally envisioned this project well before last year as a fully collaborative, intertwined showcase. However, the artists ultimately realized it was the right time to pivot to a joint exhibition.
This allowed them to preserve their individual identities while still sharing a unified theme and color palette.
On Visual Concept And Monologues
In terms of concept, the title itself stems from the idea of a wound opening up, or the feeling of being deeply disturbed.
Through this lens, both artists explore distinct personal and creative conflicts.
For instance, Pamela’s work visualizes our constant internal monologues. She beautifully captures the inner voices that guide our choices, doubts, love, and aversions.
On the other hand, Manuel’s pieces embrace a non-linear process. By organically piecing together fragmented ideas, his work challenges conventional perception and leaves a heavy impression on your mind.
Children’s Artistry Vs. Generative AI Art
Keeping an independent art practice alive brings its own challenges today, especially amidst the immense use of generative AI.
When it comes to the rise of generative AI art, Pamela Maceda views it more as an evolution of resources rather than an adversarial force. She shares,
Nandyan siya bilang tool. Hindi natin sya kailangang kalabanin.
Ang pinakamalapit lang nyang kayang gawin ay idepict yungkayang gawin ng tao. Pero wala oa rin dun yung kaluluwa.”
For her, what truly sets actual human work apart is the visible presence of process and lived experience. She points out that when you look closely at a piece made by a person,
Makikita mo kung saang parte sya bumagal, kung saang parte sya bumilis.”
Reflecting on how the landscape is shifting, Manuel Gomez notes,
Ang mga Grade one ngayon, hindi na lapis at ballpen ang hawak, eh. Ngayon tablet na. Iyon yung nakakatakot na part.”
He finds a grounded sense of hope, adding,
Basta hangga’t may batang nag-dodrawing.”
Pamela offers some wonderfully direct advice for regional artists who are just starting out:
Corny pakinggan, pero gawa lang ng gawa”.
Ultimately, “Wala(t)” serves as a compelling exploration of human vulnerability and raw creativity. It seamlessly bridges personal internal struggles with a broader commentary on our changing technological world.
By letting their distinct voices stand side-by-side rather than completely blending together, Maceda and Gomez offer a powerful, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after you leave.
If you want to experience these raw perspectives for yourself, the exhibition runs until August 31, 2026 in KalawakanSpacetime, at the Mezzanine of the Casa Bella Building, Quezon City.
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