Raul Isidro
Opening Reception
June 8, 2024 | 5 PM
Galerie Joaquin Rockwell
R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati
Raul Isidro, one of the country’s foremost abstract artists today is a pioneer in Philippine abstraction and was among the first abstractionists to incorporate indigenous Philippine designs, symbols, and motifs in his paintings, resulting in highly-organized works that exude a sense of calm and serenity while representing his technique of masterful brushstrokes and unique style. Galerie Joaquin Rockwell is again honored to present his annual major one man show “Raul Isidro: A Tribute to Nature” with an Artist Reception on Saturday, June 8 at 5 PM. Showcasing works inspired by his childhood in Calbayog, Western Samar, his explorations of nature allow for various interpretations of the physical and natural phenomena found all around us. His signature bold, vibrant and striking hues successfully bring to focus the beauty and complexity of what he wants to convey even in the deconstruction of lines and shapes and mixing of multiple colors and media.
The pieces in “Raul Isidro: A Tribute to Nature” aim to inspire us and evoke emotions of wonder at the beauty of nature that he himself is intrinsically connected to. His interactions with nature have allowed him to incorporate in his art more than just mere observations. Through his colorful abstractions, he encourages his viewers to see nature intellectually and even spiritually as they see their own connection to the natural world.
Raul Isidro (b. 1943) is a product of the Fine Arts program of the University of Santo Tomas, where he finished with a degree in Advertising. He first exhibited at Solidaridad Bookstore’s Gallery in 1969, at the invitation of National Artist for Literature and Solidaridad owner F. Sionil Jose. He has garnered multiple awards such as inclusion in 1979’s group of Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), and the Outstanding Thomasian Award in 2006–an honor he shares with Ramon Orlina. He also won the Cultural Grant Award from the Australian government in 1981 and was a 1st prize awardee at the Printmakers Association of the Philippines Annual competition in 1972. It was also in 1972 that Isidro began what eventually became a long association with the Fine Arts program of the Philippine Women’s University (PWU), where he nurtured the department which was founded by pioneering printmaker Manuel Rodriguez Sr. Through his tenure at PWU, where he eventually became Director of the College of Fine Arts in 1975, Isidro became heavily involved in printmaking–which also served to enhance his approach to painting. He is also a sculptor and had experimented with the use of gold leaf on canvas as a medium in the late 80’s while in the United States, but had shown it publicly only in the early 90’s.
Demonstrating his creative genius in numerous media as a professional artist, Isidro’s artistic accomplishments and creativity have been showcased in various art exhibitions locally and in foreign shores including Germany, Israel, Spain, China, the Netherlands, Australia, and the United States. He also shares his time in promoting art and honing talents of next generation artists by mentoring them and oftentimes serving as a judge in local competitions.
