16:26 by Renz Bautista

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Matthew 16:26 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

I wonder if God can grant us to bet our soul in exchange of something we really want. I wonder if someone can make our dreams come true in exchange of our own soul. I wonder if we can exchange it for immortality or god-like power. I wonder if I can sell my soul in exchange of peace. I wonder if I can give my soul in exchange of freedom. I wonder if I can just give my soul in exchange of nothing. I wonder if I can trade my soul in exchange of eternal sleep. I wonder if I can trade my soul to limitless happiness. I wonder if I can wish infinite time in exchange of my soul. I wonder if I can trade someone’s soul in exchange of my wish.

I wish I could trade something else rather than my own soul. I hope I have a soul to trade in exchange of my wish. 

Based on the Bible verse from the book of Matthew, the concept behind Renz Bautista’s first solo show was described by the artist as serendipitous and inspired a deep insight into his personal psyche.

His paintings were borne out of introspection which come to grips with some of life’s most profound questions. His process encouraged a personal dialogue on the trade-offs that we make in our day-to-day lives.

Through his use of layers and layers of paint and paper, he realizes the complexities of these exchanges and hopes to discover clarity amidst the disarray that casts a looming shadow over him.

Born in Cavite yet a pure Bulakenyo, Renz Marrione Bautista is a personification of youth with a heart for art. Bautista is a Fine Arts major in Advertising student of Bulacan State University who has exemplified his skills in different fields. He has topped visual arts competitions like the 4th Cocolife Colors of Life Student Visual Arts Competition – Runner up (College category), 2011 National Student Art Competition (Art Petron) – Grand Prize (T-shirt design) and Semifinalist (Painting category), 43rd Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) – 5th honorable mention, 2010 & 2014 Metrobank Art Design Excellence (MADE) – Semifinalist, and, a grandprize winner in the 1st Bulacan State University Painting Contest.

Aside from his artistic excellence, Bautista has contributed in BulSU’s official student publicaton, Pacesetter, as a member for 3 years and the Art Director for his last year. He has won Regional and Luzonwide press competitions in editorial cartooning and comic strip drawing.