XOXO, TIYA

Rum Corvera’s first solo exhibition

A woman peers at her viewer while delicately sipping from a cup fit for royalty. Another balances cups on her head while fumbling her golden gloved hands. While another, keenly curious, observes a bird gingerly perched on her finger. The women of Rum Corvera’s paintings are unabashed tributes to the elegance and strength of women – specifically for the artist, the women that helped mold him into who he is today.

Awash in black, gold, and red, these women bear all the glitz and glamor of the high fashion elite. These are the titas or tiyas, conversing over brunch, drinks, or animated by lively conversation. The image of the tiya is often tainted by the stereotype of the materialistic gossipmonger. For Corvera, however, the tiya represents the woman whose strength and grace he witnessed firsthand growing up – whether family member, friend, or teacher. Chic like the women of Art Deco and sophisticated like Renaissance subjects, the artist dresses these depictions in stylish and wealthy couture, as ornate as they are finely poised.

More than stature or appearance, Corvera projects an inner vulnerability despite such material trappings. For the artist, these portraits represent imperfect women, nonetheless strong and passionate despite society’s expectations for perfection. In portraying such lavishly adorned women, his works seem to ask viewers: are they any less deserving of respect and love?

Such is Corvera’s love letter to the tiyas in his life – beautiful women as golden in spirit as the jewelry they wear. “This exhibit is a celebration of womanhood over a cup of tea,” the artist states. Capping off his tribute, he affectionately signs his letter, “XOXO, Tiya.”
Hugs and kisses.
Till the next brunch.

- Text by Mara Fabella