Revisiting Shadows

In Revisiting Shadows, Isko Andrade revisits a period in his life marked by struggles and uncertainties, a time heavily influenced by the pandemic but also shaped by personal upheavals. As he navigated these challenges and made critical decisions to secure his peace, Andrade’s psychological and emotional journey is now at a stage where he can “revisit” these moments and translate them into his art.

In this exhibition, Andrade presents a suite of interrelated works that feature his signature motif: the red cloth. This cloth serves as both a concealing and revealing force. While it shrouds objects beneath, the shapes their reveal outlines and even cast shadows on the surface, hinting at what lies within. These objects are symbolic, representing domestic life, mental and emotional struggles, and the myriad challenges of everyday existence. Yet, Andrade resists the urge to overshare, leaving the viewer to intuit their meaning, creating an air of mystery and restraint.

The cloth itself becomes a powerful metaphor. The threads speak to severed connections, while the delicate lace, meticulously rendered, offers glimpses of fleeting happiness. By containing these “shadows,” the cloth secures them in place, preventing them from causing further harm. Andrade’s careful attention to scale and dimensionality makes these forms appear three-dimensional, as if one could reach out and touch the ropes that secure the symbolic package.

Revisiting Shadows reminds that we may never fully understand what another person is going through in life. Often, even the individual may lack complete insight into their own struggles. This underscores the need for patience, kindness, and empathy in our interactions. We don’t have to demand a detailed account of someone’s pain or challenges—it’s enough to recognize that each of us is fighting our own battles. Sometimes, simply acknowledging the presence of those struggles, without probing too deeply, is the most compassionate response we can offer.

What makes Revisiting Shadows particularly compelling is Andrade’s ability to explore deeply personal themes without being overt. Through subtle allusion rather than direct exposure, the artist turns revelation into a powerful and poignant act, reminding us that sometimes what remains unseen speaks the loudest.