Galleria Duemila proudly presents “Convoluted Universe,” a Solo Exhibition by Trek Valdizno

Galleria Duemila announces Convoluted Universe, a solo exhibition by Filipino visual artist Trek Valdizno. The exhibition will run from March 22 to May 3, 2025, with an opening reception on Saturday, March 22, from 4 to 9 p.m.

Trek Valdizno in his studio. Photo by the artist.

In Convoluted Universe, explores the intricate intersections of truth, illusion, and perception. This compelling collection features 13 acrylic-on-canvas paintings that reveal Valdizno’s controlled yet fluid approach to abstraction—an expressive interplay of fluid shapes and vivid contrasts. His compositions, both enigmatic and familiar, invite viewers to immerse themselves in a realm where visual abstraction transforms into a narrative of contemporary concerns.

Valdizno’s new body of work reflects his response to the contemporary landscape of misinformation and distortion. “As an artist, I began questioning my own existence and defining what exists in my mind,” Valdizno shares. “This dreamlike, out-of-this-world abstraction wants to tell a story—a story in which abstraction creates familiarity, as depicted in the natural world.”

ARTIST STATEMENT BY TREK VALDIZNO

Convoluted Universe is my perspective on the world at large—my motivation and pressure in this time and age, where everything catapults an existence of disbelief into the world of fake narratives and falsehoods.
As an artist, I began questioning my own existence and defining what exists in my mind. This dreamlike, out-of-this-world abstraction wants to tell a story—a story in which abstraction creates familiarity, as depicted in the natural world. I try to narrate my abstract reality within a world of illusion and misunderstanding—that art, be it non-representational, can tell a story.
Trek Valdizno, February 2025

EXHIBITION NOTES BY JONATHAN OLAZO

The exhibition catalogue features exhibition notes by acclaimed artist and writer Jonathan Olazo, who offers a rich and illuminating exploration of Valdizno’s artistic language. Olazo’s reflections delve into Valdizno’s calculated use of contrast, fluid gestures, and layered brushwork—elements that define the artist’s distinct visual identity. By contextualizing Valdizno’s approach within broader artistic movements and contemporary themes, Olazo reveals the artist’s ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visual narratives. His insights provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the intricate layers within Valdizno’s practice, guiding them through the artist’s exploration of truth, perception, and abstraction.

ABOUT TREK VALDIZNO

Trek Valdizno (b. 1968, Bulacan, Philippines) is a leading figure in Filipino abstraction, known for his innovative visual language. A graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Valdizno has exhibited extensively at venues such as Galleria Duemila and The Drawing Room, as well as international spaces. His paintings combine expressive brushwork with meticulous structure, evoking shifting realities and blurred boundaries. Valdizno’s work continues to resonate through its exploration of perception, narrative, and social commentary.

ABOUT GALLERIA DUEMILA

Established in 1975 by Italian-born Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz, Galleria Duemila is the Philippines’ longest-running commercial art gallery. The gallery specializes in contemporary paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and installations, showcasing both established and emerging Filipino artists. It also houses rare works by modern masters such as Fernando Amorsolo, Fernando Zobel, H. R. Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, Jose Joya, and Cesar Legaspi.
HOURS
Galleria Duemila is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

ADMISSION
Admission is free.

E-CATALOGUE

To view the e-catalogue, visit https://issuu.com/art.galleriaduemila/docs/convoluted_universe.