In his latest exhibition, Back at the Tea Party, sculptor Daniel dela Cruz reimagines Alice in Wonderland, emphasizing Alice’s innocence and vulnerability in the midst of Wonderland’s quirky characters.
In contrast to Lewis Carroll’s disorganized and fantastical depiction, Dela Cruz’s art offers a gentle and reflective interpretation of Alice’s journey, examining her youthful fortitude and curiosity as she navigates Wonderland’s obstacles.
Using brass, copper, and other metals, Dela Cruz crafts intricate sculptures that balance fragility and resilience. The familiar characters Alice encounters, like the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts, and Mad Hatter, represent forces that test her innocence.
The Cheshire Cat, with its elusive grin, embodies the uncertainties of growing up; the Queen of Hearts symbolizes the harsh, arbitrary authority threatening Alice’s purity; while the Mad Hatter reflects life’s unpredictable challenges. Together, these figures contrast with Alice’s enduring spirit, celebrating her resilience in a whimsical yet testing world.
Back at the Tea Party is on view from Nov. 7 to 17 at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell, R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City. For more details, contact Galerie Joaquin at +63 915 414 5502 or [email protected].
