‘Alchemy: Mining Color, Shape, Space, and Form, etc.’ at Arte Bettina
Alchemy is usually associated with magic, but Late Greek and Arabic etymologies of the word describe the process of transmutation and transformation. With a collection of selected materials, alchemists were tasked to produce the philosopher’s stone, a legendary substance capable of transforming common metals into gold or silver.
Taking its inspiration from this magical process, Arte Bettina offers its initial presentation for the year 2020, titled “Alchemy.” Considered as alchemists of their time for their transformation of color, shape, space, texture, line, value and form, are some of the country’s finest abstractionists.
Participating artists are: Andre Baldovino, Jay Consunji, Fitz Herrera, Binong Javier, Niccolo Jose, Rico Lascano, Marlon Magbanua, Coeli Manese, Kenneth Montegrande, Dennis Morante, Josep Pascual, Michael Pastorizo, Sal Ponce Enrile, Jay Ragma, Eddie Santillan, and Meneline Wong.
A dense multitude of closely valued globules of pigment contrasts with Fitz Herrera’s festive activity of polychromatic paints. Rico Lascano’s space breathes expansively against Meneline Wong’s floating coagulations of cellular shapes. Sal Ponce Enrile’s imaginary landscape keeps balance with Jay Rayma’s architectonic strings of line. Coeli Manese favors a veiled cascade of brooding grays, complimenting Eddie Santillan’s delicately branching traceries. Michael Pastorizo’s beaming bursts of earthen color reconcile with Niccolo Jose’s elegantly swirling wood. “Alchemy” runs until Feb. 2. Arte Bettina is at the 3/L, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village, Ayala Center, Makati City. For information, call or SMS 0916-647-4984 and 0929-276-8355.