Born in the Philippines, Bembol De La Cruz (b. 1976) graduated from University of the Philippines in 1998. ‘Immune Suffocation’ is a work from Bembol’s Immune Suffocation series. Although the original intention of the gas mask is to protect its wearer, its dominance in this work relegates its wearer to the role of a sinister prop in the theatre of warfare. A tool in warfare, the mask may ultimately serve to asphyxiate humanity, as there are no true winners in war. This work was shown in an exhibition titled ‘Asphyxia’ in the Philippines.
