At the height of the 18th century, the young Russian poet Alexander Pushkin sat down and penned “Ode to Liberty,” a powerful, subversive poem that held great significance to Russians at a time of doubt and uncertainty. The work so angered Tsar Alexander the First, leading to Pushkin’s exile from his native land.

It’s this revolutionary spirit that brings Ash Iverson, elyen elyen, Manuel Gomez, Thirdy Olis, Pamela Maceda, Almario Tangalin, Kirk Tabanera, Roger Mond, Lean Rebola, Andres Catig, Gelo Cinco, and Marvin James together for the group show “Flee, begone, vanish from my sight.”

Each artist has their own interpretation of what liberty means, and furthermore, how it manifests in their respective medium and creative practice. For some, it’s the ability to tame one’s inner critic. For others, it’s freedom from oppressive powers. As a result, the exhibit serves as a multifaceted exploration of the nuances of freedom, self-determination, and liberation.