Like can mean so many different things.  Like as akin to.  Like as a predisposition for. Like to denote approval of.  When you view  Pam Yan-Santos’ latest solo show, you come to understand that like also reveals the longing that a young mother hopes for the future of her son. 

Color the Picture

All Pam’s seven pieces revolve around Juno, her only child.  In Color  the Picture, he gets his hair cut, the first time without embracing arms to   support him,  the repeated clicking of metal shears  inducing unavoidable unease.  In Open Line two children, a boy and a girl, stand not quite close enough, yet not too far apart, their eyes almost, but not really, making contact.  What does the future hold for the chance of relationships?  Positive Thoughts  turns into a mantra chanted repeatedly by a young father to keep his frustrations at bay. We forget that the innocuous birthday party of Make A Cake! Make A Cake,  all pink and pretty and filled with balloons, actually serves as a child’s first foray into social relationships, a chance for friendships forged or awkwardness magnified.  In the diptych Circle Time  boys come together and play.  In the revelry and boisterousness of their games, who can detect who is different?

Open Line

Positive Thoughts

The richness of Pam’s work lies in her success at combining her skills as both printmaker and painter.  The multiple layers of serigraphs and silk screens, finished off by her acrylic images, all come together in one impeccable, robust, textured, completely satisfying whole.  I like.

Circle Time

Like by Pam Yan-Santos is on view at Blanc Compound from 3 to 21 Nov. 2008.  Blanc Compound is at 359 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.  Log on to www.blanc.ph or call (632) 752-0032 for more details.  Exhibit is curated by Leo Abaya

Hello Everybody

Pam with Eileen Ramirez of the Lopez Museum