September 8 – 22, 2022
Art Anton
G/F, S Maison, Conrad Hotel Manila, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, 1300 Pasay City, Philippines
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Sublime, serene, exquisite, controlled, calculating, mechanical, intense, and flamboyant are some adjectives that can best describe the abstract works presented in this exhibition.
Abstractionists now are not only confined to expressive qualities of hues or the bravado of brushwork and suggestive imposing textures but to the exploration of the medium itself and inculcating meaning to the process. “Profound”, which is also the title of this exhibition is the best word to connote the works of the artists included in this roster. Theirs are years of experience encased in ultimate expression they have mustered and yet when asked will declare are still learning and continuously searching to satisfy the elusive void. A yearning manifested in their works relates to and moves the viewer.
Raul Isidro, a precursor and one of the longest-tenured modernists, finds expression in the use of printmaking and painting combined. His flamboyant use of colors and shapes remains outstanding. Looking at the body of his works is like listening to a symphony bringing the vibes of confidence, vibrance, rhythm, and harmony.
Nestor Vinluan, the ever experimenter, is never confined to the canvas as his ground is to express his nuances. His ever-searching mind to exemplify creativity regardless of the medium used is a sight to behold and idea-inducing theses. For him, the use of the technique is part of the concept itself.
Rodolfo Gan’s works are characterized as both sleek and industrial-like. His love for optical illusion and the use of retro-like gradation hues are always present in his works emitting plasticized surrealism.
Rico Lascano is inspired by the quiet beauty of the white space. As an integral part of his compositions, one can say that he is zen-like; however, the beauty of his work is not limited to oriental-inspired themes as also driven by his use of graphic elements which makes his works differently unique.
Allain Hablo’s unapologetic use of industrial materials as his way of expression is in contrast to the philosophical and poetic narratives imbued in his art. His works are of sublimity and soulfulness.
Gary Custudio’s transparent layers of color strips to create volume and illusory texture is very imposing with his conscious use of limited pallets showing a technique that requires constant use of a solid base and various layers of transparencies that takes time to produce.
Last but not least in the row is Clarence Eduarte. His works are characterized by multi color layered textures. Color juxtapositions are muted into neutral greys submerging into the white negative space. His compositions are both excitable and tranquil.
In all, these seven artists are excellent in their own various ways. Each represents the profoundness and astuteness of expression and technique that connects.
— Abe Orobia
