“Vessel of the Universe (Sisidlan ng Kalawakan),” soldered metal, glass, LED strips, and electrical fittings, 64.5 x 47 x 12 inches, 2020
Filipino artist Joshua Limon Palisoc creates figurative sculptures that not only explore the exterior of the human body but also shine a light on people's inner life. He uses soldered metal to construct life-size pieces that are illuminated from inside by LED strips. The intentional gaps between the wires allow the radiance of the soul to peer through the body.
The series, entitled Ephemeral Vessels, was debuted in Palisoc's first solo show at the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo Philippines. The artwork is inspired by concepts from Filipino Psychology, including loob (personality of conscience), labas (physical body, and lalim (reason). Palisoc uses the human body to capture “the artist's state of mind and being.” While some figures are presented in dynamic poses with their arms outstretched and backs arched, others appear more calm and at peace. These all represent different spiritual states to the artist.
Vessel of the Universe, or Sisidlan ng Kalawkan, depicts a figure that is cut in half down the center. The split reveals the “inner light” that was concealed by the temporary exterior shell. When installed in darkened rooms, the lights inside of these sculptures are intended to convey “the inferiority of the [metal] pieces.” Palisoc hopes that the series will inspire people to not exist in the world passively, but to “stir and affect others through our own genuine ways.”
Scroll down to see more incredible figurative sculptures by Palisoc, and follow the artist on Instagram to keep up to date with his latest projects.
Berlin-based Filipino artist Joshua Limon Palisoc creates life-size figurative sculptures out of metal that are illuminated from within.
Detail of “Vessel of the Universe (Sisidlan ng Kalawakan),” soldered metal, glass, LED strips, and electrical fittings, 64.5 x 47 x 12 inches, 2020
The series, called Ephemeral Vessels, explores the relationship between the body and soul.
“Accepting Transcendence (Pagtanggap sa Lagablab),” soldered metal, LED bulb, and electrical fittings, 60.5 x 46 x 19 inches, 2020
Detail of “Accepting Transcendence (Pagtanggap sa Lagablab),” soldered metal, LED bulb, and electrical fittings, 60.5 x 46 x 19 inches, 2020
“Whisper from a Spark (Bulong ng Alipato),” soldered metal, LED bulb and electrical fitting, 64.5 x 33 x 10 inches, 2020
“Conversations with the Flame (Pakikipagtalastasan sa Ningas),” soldered metal, LED bulb, and electrical fittings, 64.5 x 60 x 14 inches, 2020
Detail of “Conversations with the Flame (Pakikipagtalastasan sa Ningas),” soldered metal, LED bulb, and electrical fittings, 64.5 x 60 x 14 inches, 2020
“The Soul’s Journey (Paglalayag ng Kalooban),” soldered metal and glass, 71 x 64 x 72 inches, 2020
Left to right: “Conversations with the Flame (Pakikipagtalastasan sa Ningas),” “Accepting Transcendence (Pagtanggap sa Lagablab),” and “Whisper from a Spark (Bulong ng Alipato)”
Left to right: “Conversations with the Flame (Pakikipagtalastasan sa Ningas),” “Whisper from a Spark (Bulong ng Alipato),” and “Accepting Transcendence (Pagtanggap sa Lagablab)”
Detail of “Accepting Transcendence (Pagtanggap sa Lagablab)”
“Vessel of the Universe (Sisidlan ng Kalawakan),” soldered metal, glass, LED strips, and electrical fittings, 64.5 x 47 x 12 inches, 2020
