Art review: Pop! goes religion in Legaspi's 'Pop Idols' exhibit

GMA NEWS
By Katrina Santiago

"We're More Popular Than Jesus" / 48 x 48 inches / acrylic on canvas

PHILIPPINES -  Raymond Legaspi’s “Pop Idols” seems superfluous and loud, even too playful for comfort. But there is a layer of seriousness to the bright-colored portraits here, a rationale behind the size and scope of each icon as portrayed on Legaspi’s canvases. The story is simple: a set of seven portraits of popular icons, one local, six world renowned. What works for Legaspi’s “Pop Idols” one finds, is precisely this fact: there is a slow steady reveal of the jab it takes at religion, even as its statement on the creation of idols is already important. [link] Pop Idols ran through the end of January at Finale Art Gallery.

Kris / 36 x 45 inches / Acrylic on canvas

Michael Jackson / 36 x 48 inches / Acrylic on canvas

Blessed Pope John Paul / 48 x 72 inches / Acrylic on canvas

Exhibit Invitation