Debuting her first solo exhibition with Galerie Joaquin Rockwell, visual artist Jerika See presents A Pause in the Courtyard, a collection of her signature paintings that linger on delight, play, and stillness in everyday life.

At first glance, Jerika’s top-view compositions draw on the visual order of Chinese courtyards—tiled floors, patterned walls, and koi ponds—framing the figures absorbed in games and acts of leisure.

Look closer, and food cheekily slips into some of the scenes—not as a delicacy, but as an object around them.

Apples, dumplings, and melons are handled with the same care as the rackets, shuttlecocks, or tiled patterns, appearing sculptural and elevated, carrying the lightness and whimsy that define See’s language.

The acts play out not as competition but as practice, a slow and genuine gesture that invites an opportunity for connection. And through the exhibit, See reimagines the courtyard not only as a space for play but as a sanctuary, where there is always room to pause, breathe, and take delight in the moment before it's gone.

Jerika See (b. 1996) is a Filipino-Chinese visual artist and architect based in Metro Manila. A graduate of Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas, she has been painting since high school and now pursues art as a full-time career.

Describing herself as a curious observer, See blends storytelling and design into vibrant visual narratives that capture the textures of everyday life while delving into themes of family, nostalgia, and cultural identity. Her signature top-view perspective, articulated through clean lines, bold colors, and eccentric patterns, transforms familiar scenes into structured yet intimate compositions enriched with delight, amusement, and play.

Through this lens, she positions herself both as observer and interpreter, creating works that invite viewers to reflect on memory, belonging, and the subtle complexities of human connection.

A Pause in the Courtyard by Jerika See will be on view from September 13 to 22, 2025 at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell. The gallery is located at the R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City. For inquiries, contact Galerie Joaquin at +63 915 414 5502 or email galeriejoaquinrockwell@gmail.com.