by James Gabito
April 27, 2019
Art Underground
814 Balagtas St., Barangay Addition Hills, 1550 Mandaluyong
In the Cordillera region, protected forest areas seem to get smaller and smaller in favor of agricultural and urban development.
In creating a visual narrative for “Aura of the Breathing Land” Gabito presents his take on woodland conditions which he interprets using varicolored abstract impressions. Instead of using colors commonly associate with nature like green and brown, Gabito make use of an auratic palette that communicate emotions of a suffering terrain.
His fixation with visualizing qualities of the Mountain province resulted in painting amalgamating colored fragments and lichen-like textures. These are expressions that intertwine with his memories of what was once abundant woodland areas. Having spent the summers of his formative years in the Cordilleras, Gabito was raised to see humans as the stewards of nature.
In this series Gabito tugs at the notion that protecting nature, particularly the woodlands, has taken a backseat when urban development comes into the picture. “Aura of the Breathing Land” seeks to bring light on how the scales have tipped in favor of urbanization. Reminding us of the comfort that trees provide us through clean air and many other gifts at no cost. Lest we forget what Antoine de Saint – Exupery taught us that what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Text by Marz Aglipay
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“Aura of the Breathing Land” opens at Art underground on April 27, Saturday, 6pm. We are located at 814 Balagtas St., Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. For more information call us at (02) 721 0745 / (0917) 523 7463. Email artundergroundmanila@gmail.com
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