Galerie Joaquin Singapore begins 2009 with a powerful two-man show featuring contemporary Filipino artists Jerry Morada and PJ Jalandoni.

These large, visually arresting oil paintings are notable for the interplay of symbolism and meaning as much as for their technical strength. The University of Philippines-educated artists approach the lone female subject through the lenses they know best. Paete-born Morada gives away his woodcarving training by emphasizing depth and detail; Jalandoni is inspired by film and black-and-white photography in his rendering of hyperreal monochromatic images. Both tackle a gendered definition of freedom. Morada's young lady is finding her place in society in a warm surreal space where religion holds sway. She walks within the boundaries of faith and tradition, but is never completely held captive by them.

Jalandoni's young girl, on the other hand, is looking for her place in the world by running from the structures that will grip her at the onset of puberty. Three of the artist's four canvases feature a girl in white with her back turned to the viewer, a universal figure sharply contrasted against her natural surroundings. Her adventurous spirit reflects the vitality and vigor of youth - soon to be restrained by the social graces expected of a girl. And yet outdoors, captured in these moments, she remains curious and excited to discover and play.

2008 proved to be a banner year for both artists: Morada won the PGM Prize in the GSIS Painting Competition and enjoyed success in regional auctions, while Jalandoni joined several group shows and sold out at his first-ever solo show in October 2008.

Borrowing its title from an emblematic Morada work, "Submerge/Emerge" opens at Galerie Joaquin Singapore at 7pm on 30th January 2009. The exhibit runs until 16 February 2009.