Marika B. Constantino unveils her first solo exhibition, Desiderata, at the Boston Gallery on November 15, 2008. Referencing poetry and prose in her artworks, the artist seeks to express what is real and heartfelt, creating visual imagery that combines seamlessly with her affinity for words and lyricism. She interprets these verses in relation to her own journey through life.
Constantino’s paintings dissect and shape elements that make up the inner-realm of her contemplations. The artist’s ‘biomorphic mosaic,’ a distinct technique of building-up paint, creates organic three-dimensional forms that represent particular memories. These highly textured and interlocking free-forms resembling birds in flight, stylized ancient writing or bodies in motion are the tesserae of the artist’s mosaic-like images. Each piece embodies an experience; collectively, it sums up one’s being at a particular instance. Akin to a puzzle, in the absence of a singular unique component, nothing is the same, and no one for that matter.
Her intimate compositions result in figurations, whose genders or roles remain ambiguous. In the artist’s perception, the need to attain a certain level of equality, equanimity and equilibrium in relations and relationships is universal and wholly transferable. One can easily connect with Constantino’s rendered figures because they are spirited reflections of a constantly evolving self; us, in our most basic guise.
Constantino portrays these unguarded moments steep with sensuality and meaning. It captures a vivid and vibrant flash from one’s existence. The piece, Desiderata, for example, expounds on a section of the female form that connotes a candid vulnerability laid bare, while providing a vision of longing for contentment, enrichment and self-affirmation. Kismet, is one work from the series of kisses where colors gradually transform from one end of the spectrum to the other, reiterating glimpses of reality depicted in different moods, coaxing varying degrees of reaction from the viewer.
The works in this exhibition are imbued with imaginings and aspirations. Constantino gives us a peek into the desires within her soul.
Marika B. Constantino is a full time visual artist who has participated in several local and international exhibitions. As a freelance writer, she has contributed to a number of globally distributed publications. Her early exposure to art and boundless fascination for the creative process resulted with a degree from the UP College of Architecture to further studies at the UP College of Fine Arts, with Art History as her major. Her broad background ranges from design, corporate management and organizational administration. She is also a part-time instructor, a core committee member of TutoK Artist Collective and is represented by Britania Art Projects. Constantino is continually striving to strike the balance between the cerebral, conceptual and experiential aspects of art with life in general, thus, fueling her fervent passion for artistic endeavors.
Desiderata opens at 6 o’clock in the evening on November 15, 2008, Saturday, at the upper level of the Boston Gallery, 72 Boston St. corner Lantana St., Cubao, Quezon City. This exhibition is co-presented by Britania Art Projects. For inquiries please call 387-6373 / mobile 09178070327 or email britania.artprojects@gmail.com. The exhibition runs until December 9, 2008.
