This October, during START Genova, C+N Gallery CANEPANERI presents “Truths We Inherit” Deng Shiqing and MJ Torrecampo, a powerful dual solo exhibition featuring two rising international voices in contemporary painting.

Deng Shiqing (b. in 1992, China), winner of the 2023 Bennett Prize, presents a provocative series of works reflecting on surrogacy, woman’s body and reproductive rights. Combining humor, darkness, and visual richness, her practice questions the commodification of the female body and the ethical grey zones created by technological advancement.

MJ Torrecampo (b. 1992, Manila, Philippines), finalist for the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, offers an evocative reinterpretation of Philippine mythology, blending ancestral narratives with themes of immigration, identity, and the complex ties of family. Her striking compositions and unique perspectives create a vibrant, multilayered storytelling space.

Though rooted in different cultural contexts, both artists address universal questions about power, legacy, and the body - in a moment when these truths feel more urgent than ever.


Deng Shiqing: Artist’s Statement - New Series of Works

This series explores the complex and often controversial theme of childbirth. My inspiration came after watching a YouTube documentary in which a Chinese man who operates a surrogacy company in the U.S. revealed shocking truths about the industry - one being that someone had commissioned hundreds of babies. I was stunned.

After finishing the documentary, I felt deeply unsettled. While women are biologically capable of giving birth, this natural difference has often justified inequality, reducing women’s bodies to mere vessels. Technology has added further complexity. The surrogacy industry is expanding rapidly - it offers hope for many but also enables exploitation by the wealthy and powerful. It’s neither entirely good nor entirely bad, which is why it captivates me.

My work often tells dark stories with humor and irony. I use recurring symbols such as eggs and fruit to represent fertility and reproduction. Employing oil, ac


MJ Torrecampo: Artist’s Statement - New Series of Works

This new body of work dives into the rich world of Philippine mythology, addressing themes such as cultural identity, the immigrant experience, and complex family dynamics. Torrecampo approaches these topics through a contemporary, bold lens.
She reimagines traditional Filipino myths using a fresh visual language, fusing her cultural heritage with a modern aesthetic. Drawing on graphic novels, traditional Filipino art, and narrative illustration, her intricate compositions honor - yet transform - ancient tales.

Her art challenges viewers to actively engage with mythology. By employing overhead perspectives and non-rectangular canvases, she creates a space where time and place merge. The result is a multidimensional narrative that explores universal themes of connection, nature, and the balance between opposing forces.