November 3 – 15, 2018
Cevio Art Haus
60 San Isidro St., Bgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig
After having spent enough years in the fine art industry (painting in themes that are either brooding or mystifying),James Imperial continues to explore his element by offering his take on the subject of comfort, familiarity, and gratitude.
In his series “Pareidolia”, which is perhaps his most sentimental and care-free at the same time, Imperial incorporates pieces of childhood memories, both the mundane and eerie subjects that have been common in most of his earlier works, thrown together with his known signature ink-and-smoke stain effect, while being inspired by a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude to what he considered his greatest source of creative fuel. When asked what those are, he comments without shying away, ‘The painting medium, the support from the people, and of course, the Creator.’
The series reveals not only paintings on canvas but, bracingly, an assortment of collage made out of layered resin and imagery in jars, further emphasizing his appreciation to his painting medium.
Imperial articulates, “I hope the audience feels at ease while looking at the artworks.” How one may see the artworks at first could ignite a feeling of treasure-hunting–subjects hidden partially here and there, images popping in the corner of one’s eye, a pareidolia banquet! —but taking a few steps back, it all settles down into a comforting thought of “Hey, he wants us to just enjoy the view”. And indeed, we are greeted by familiar favorites of his, such as avians, flora, among others. The clash of abstraction and definition is just the right amount that one can almost say the experience is an easy connection.
– Monette Paris Mangulabnan, 2018
Invite:
https://www.facebook.com/events/706898896346061/
