24 abstractionists converge in massive showcase
TO be branded as Promethean is to be daringly original, creative, imaginative. Prometheus in Greek mythology is, of course, a Titan god of fire and supreme trickster, who embodied the traits as the champion of humankind. He defied the gods by stealing fire from them and handing it to humanity.
Exemplifying the audacity to conceptualize and the courage to create are 24 Promethean abstract artists featured in a group exhibition, titled Figment of Imagination, presented by Galerie Anna. The show is on display at SM Megamall Art Center.
The participating artists include Meneline Wong, M.D., Allain Hablo, Fitz Herrera, Binong Javier, Rico Lascano, Grae Joquico, Jay Ragma, AADA, Eddie Santillan, Joy Rojas.
Also part of the massive showcase are Jayson Muring, Resty Tica, Ronnie Lim, M.D., Rosscapili, Raul Isidro, Haraya Ocampo-tejido, Miguel Paulo Borja, Coeli Manese, Michael Pastorizo, Andre Baldovino, Tao Butao, Olivia D’aboville, Tammy De Roca, and Niccolo Jose.
Wong’s flow art directs colors in kinetic and vibrant waves. Hablo offers a mixed-media piece charged with textures and emotions. Meanwhile, Herrera carves out multiple dimensions for his bold impasto, as Javier’s pointillist work seems to move inward or outward depending on perception. Lascano soothes the eyes and spirit with his signature meditative chromatic pieces.
Joquico illustrates a somber seascape, Ragma slices geometric forms in black and gray, and multidisciplinary artist AADA continues to explore the principles of reflection. Through straight lines of varying length and color, Santillan toys with our perspective, as Rojas pays a rugged homage to an icon.
Muring transports us to where textures collide and combine. Tica mimics minimalist street art on canvas. In the foreground of Lim’s work, a turtle rendered in intricate realism ventures on a galactic journey. Rosscapili defies rules once more to create mixed-media artworks that are truly only his; Isidro draws his sublime elements that are responsive and commanding at the same time.
Ocampo-tejido reimagines a dreamy landscape defined by sweeping lines. Miguel Paulo Borja does the same, albeit with heavier strokes and darker tones. Manese shifts back to the light and subdued, as Pastorizo orchestrates every ebb and flow of his unique patterns. Baldovino alludes to forms that never materialize.
Butao brings out new forms from distortion, and D’aboville weaves narratives anew. Tammy De Roca splashes and carves depth. Jose, meanwhile, shapes out curves to great effect.
Like Prometheus before them, the artists show what can be achieved if one dared to go outside the box.
Figment of Imagination opened on July 24 and will run until Thursday, August 4.