Ricky Qaliby Solo Show 2022: Peace Blossom

In this exhibition, Ricky Qaliby (Qaliby), presents his imaginative series of works, Peace Blossom. Peace Blossom is a piece which inspiration come from Qaliby's struggle to interpret every phenomenon of life during 2020-2022. Every pain experienced by Qaliby caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is accentuating a striking irony, that is the liberty of a human soul restrained by time and space further constrained by COVID-19. Conforming Sartre's postulation that other human beings are hell along with time and space. In existentialism, when the process of existing is limited, existing humanity are also limited.

Within considerable limitations, Qaliby stays silent in his space of contemplation. His creative process does not only distancing himself from time, space, and other people, but also from overwhelming disappointment. In his distancing, along with his reflection, Qaliby explores every emotions he felt. From the process Qaliby gains meanings beyond the profane, ultimately revealing transcendence which he painted in Peace Blossom.

This series is no less important than his prior pieces which expressed spirituality within a complex universe. Peace Blossom created in the spirit of creating hope within all-limiting circumstances symbolized as flower paintings. In every piece, Qaliby tried to accentuate flowers as a form of hope. Blossoming flowers represents blossoming hope of happiness expected by Qaliby that would happened in post-pandemic era. Those flowers’ shapes are aspired by the creative process of his enthusiasm for the art of microscopic photography, especially in their patterns. Through his empirical observations, Qaliby perceives the patterns of life to be cyclical that is shared by the harmonious aesthetics of the universe.

Another hallmark of Qaliby's paintings is their medium which is the acrylic board. The usage of this medium not only affects the result of his creative process but also reflects his identity. His abstract technique liberates his mind and emotions to express himself within his pieces. This also symbolizes the synergy between himself and the universe.Through Peace Blossom, Qaliby tries to share his optimistic view after every tragedy.

For Qaliby, spiritual experiences with the pandemic brought him inner peace. Peace Blossom also depicts Qaliby's view of the meaning of the universe, that true happiness is attained by freeing oneself from the perverse desires that belay disappointment. Peace Blossom is his medium to divulge past events and the epiphany of the relativity of the world. Sadness someday will turn into happiness. Acceptance and patience is the midwife of true happiness and peace.