Jeff Salon

A Touch of the Past

How Jeff Salon’s art challenges today’s generation

October 8, 2018  /  C-2

Text by Hannah Jo Uy

As an artist, Jeff Salon has one goal: to channel his in­nermost being into mind-engaging visuals that com­municate the wisdom of the past and its relevance to the present. All this, Salon reveals, is an effort to cultivate a clear picture of how we, as individu­als, can make a difference.

Heavily influenced by a number of genres, he drew upon core elements from classical and modern paintings, as well as from realism, social realism, and surrealism, developing a distinct aesthetic style that serves as a plat­form for his passionate socio-political commentaries. Through his brush, he discusses everything from war and nature to children’s welfare and the value of virtue, all “with a touch of the past and a touch of the present.”

Salon described his creative ap­proach as both spontaneous and me­thodical. “Anything goes,” he says. “I can express all I want, allowing my­self to create a world that no one has ever been to, where I can dig deep into my inner feelings. In Filipino, we call it hugot or may pinag-huhu­gutan.”

Everything has a beginning. Ev­erything comes from somewhere, Salon says, and it is this deep ap­preciation of the past that pushes him to travel back in time, engaging in imagined conversations with his­torical figures. As he draws lessons from these encounters, Salon pieces together a cohesive narrative.

This is evident in his latest exhib­it, “Battle in the Clouds,” showcased at the Art Verite Gallery. The title is self-explanatory, Salon says, likening the human mind to the clouds. “Its shape, color, mood, direction, speed, motion, and temperature are con­stantly changing,” he explains. “For­ever experiencing a battle within, the outcome uncertain, because the end result will depend if you want to lose or win every battle in life.” Indeed, his artworks are teeming with sym­bolism and archetypal characters heralded for their virtue, all reflective of his philosophy in life and what it means to him to live well.

In Days of Glory, he presents a “young boy flying a paper airplane charging with solid bravery and wis­dom, boldly stepping forward into the future, spiritually shielded and guided by the historical bravery of the young general Gregorio Del Pilar and the soldiers of Tirad Pass.” The direction of the clouds and the wind naturally guide the young boy’s hope, says Salon, adding that this is symbol­ized by the paper airplane. “Gregorio Del Pilar serves as an inspiration for the boy to be strong like the soldiers, have eagle vision, muster courage, and be the next leader—the hope of the future generation,” he says.

In The Conquerer, Salon tackles the alpha male figure, the symbol of strength and courage, flying above challenges. In the painting, the clouds allude to the traits of a dreamer.

In A Sense of Wonder, we are in­troduced to a little girl in celebration of growth, abundance, and fertility, while in Beast Mode, Salon delves into how we are often our own worst enemy. “When the clouds are hazy and dark, be bold and brave to con­tinue the fight,” he says, describing the ethos behind the painting. “Re­lease all the negativity, release the beast inside you, and try to break free from all the evil that surrounds you. This also symbolizes the adrenalin rush you need to face all challenges— to be the best of the best.”

The Burning Man is a particu­larly personal piece. “I was de­pressed,” he re­calls, “and I con­verted that nega­tive energy into a positive one by understand­ing the sacrifices of past heroes.” He stresses that one must learn how to convert w e a k n e s s e s into strengths. “Instead of be­ing burned by the fire, be that spark of hope that leads oth­ers to a brighter future, just like how heroes sacrificed themselves for the country,” he says.

For Salon, critics are nothing more than background noise in his pursuits to express his philosophy and improve his craft. “Time is irre­versible, but constant action toward a goal leads to evolution, even if one may not notice it,” he said. As he spills his soul onto the canvas, Salon shares his hope for audiences to be left with “solutions and resolutions" to contribute to Philippine history.

“Our heroes risked their lives for today’s people,” he asks, “what can we offer for the next generation? Life and death are facts. Everyone will die. So make the most out of life.”