Books Katrina Pallon’s art of grief at JIV Manila gallery

GRIEF, PAIN, loss and the ability to rise above them are what have inspired artist Katrina Pallon, whose artworks she has described to be heavily influenced by Viennese and French Art Nouveau, in her latest exhibit “Resurgence,” which will open Dec. 1 at the JIV Manila Art Gallery along Visayas Avenue, Quezon City.

Sta. Anabased Pallon, who graduated magna cum laude from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with the degree of Fine Arts, usually takes on local subject matters such as folklore, myths, fairytale and women, which she has depicted in her signature maximalist and oriental style.

But it was during the past two years when she went through trying times that gave her the inspiration for this upcoming exhibit. In 2010, she lost her grandfather and in 2012, she said she suffered from a friend’s betrayal.

Her works, largely inspired by Oriental art and Viennese and French Art Nouveau, are derived from myths and folklores from different cultures.

She infuses them with motifs and pat- terns found in fabrics and tapestries from different countries around Asia.

“The works of Gustav Klimt and Frida Kahlo have been great influences in my early works,” she said. “It is by exposing myself to graphic design, illustrations by contemporary artists, and finding artistic inspirations in my travels that I developed my current style.”

Call Kevin Tabora at 0906-3878542; visit www.jivmanilaart.com.