Visual artist Celeste Lecaroz continues to defy the limits of the pandemic by mounting another solo show. Her latest entitled “Repetitio” runs from June 30 to July 28, 2021, at 1335Mabini in Karrivin Plaza, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, in Makati City. This exhibit is Lecaroz’s second for the year and her sixth one-woman show since 2018.
“Repetitio” features derivative paintings of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo that Lecaroz rendered in spontaneous realism. She describes the collection of 15 paintings as experimentations on chromostereopsis (“visual illusions whereby depth is depicted in two-dimensional color images”). Lecaroz’s paintings are officially licensed by the Fernando C. Amorsolo Art Foundation and are derived from official copies of Amorsolo paintings cataloged in the books published by the foundation.
Ms. Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo, daughter of the National Artist and president of the foundation, herself, granted the license agreement to Lecaroz at a contract signing held last March 2021. Ms. Lazo, who is also a painter, says that there is much to appreciate in the art of Lecaroz. “Even before she requested legal permission from the foundation, I had already seen her various beautiful works in pastel and acrylic depicting her own style. I could see her as an artist with potential and passion.”
Lecaroz chose which Amorsolo paintings she wanted to interpret and began creating the works from the time of NCR Plus lockdown until June.
In the essay that accompanies the “Repetitio” exhibit, art and literary advocate Prof. Danton Remoto writes that Lecaroz does more than a repetition of Fernando Amorsolo’s brilliant rural scenes. “She does repeat them, but she also reimagines Amorsolo’s illuminated landscape. She pays homage… but she turned the colors several notches lower.” Remoto, author of the acclaimed novel Riverrun published by Penguin Random House, says that Lecaroz’s latest artworks are both vibrant and profound. “She gives us omens and forebodings about progress and its discontents. Her palette is full of vivid colors and her paintings have many stories to tell.”
Looking at Lecaroz’s repetitio, Ms. Lazo recalls her father’s words. “Papa once said, ‘Work on your God-given gift and share your talent with others. Day to day application of talent immortalizes our beautiful world.’ Ces did so and found her identity with her mixed brushstrokes…”
Aside from paying tribute to Fernando Amorsolo, the exhibit is also Lecaroz’s way of sharing the gift of art amid a precarious moment. “No one knows how much or how little time we have,” says Lecaroz. “All I know is I want to manifest this gift… Or so this pandemic continues to make me realize.”
For more information about “Repetitio,” email inquire@the1335mabini.ph or contact tel. 8-818-0013.
