FORGET jewelry, flowers, chocolates...forget everything you thought that would make a sweetValentine's Day gift. Why don't you surprise your lover with a Ronald Caringal painting instead? In the artist's first overseas exhibit (he is from Manila where he runs his own art gallery called "The Cubicle"), he rips open his heart, dips his paintbrush into the blood, and comes up with a witty, tongue-in-cheek collection that looks like they were torn from the pages of a fashion magazine.

The reference to chic and style should come naturally to Caringal, who has spent many of his nights in Manila's wild party scene; even hosting some all-nighters at his gallery, where bands perform on the top floor of the three-storey apartment building, to the chagrin of his neighbours.

In "COMMITMENT reISSUES," he depicts scenes from actual experiences he has had in his relationships. The pieces are humourous, but also have easily recognizable truths beneath.

Dressed up like paper dolls by creating layers upon layers of how each of us would like to be seen, the characters play a different role for every person they come across, which in a sense cuts them off from who they really should be.

They then find themselves in scenarios that they best try to control, live through, grasp, and give meaning to.

Referenced from various fashion magazines, the models are executed in oil on canvas or wood, and placed on a white background, which is designed to gradually yellow over time in the same way the pages of a diary will.

The memory of the experience may grow vague, although it will never completely be lost. It remains embedded within the confines of our minds always ready to be reminisced, re-examined, and reclaimed.

Ronald Caringal, 28, studied Advertising Arts in the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and is a practicing artist as well as a managing gallerist in The Cubicle Art Gallery in Manila. He has participated in several group and solo shows in Manila and New York. "COMMITMENT reISSUES" is his third solo show and first overseas.

"COMMITMENT reISSUES" runs until 24 February at Utterly Art New Exhibition Space (2/L 229A South Bridge Road, Singapore 058778; tel. no. 6226 2605). Viewing hours are 12 nn to 8 pm from Monday to Saturday, and 12 nn to 5:30 pm on Sunday.