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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Gerrico Blanco and Roel Obemio present portraits of childhood wonder and dreamy pastels

Gerrico Blanco and Roel Obemio present portraits of childhood wonder and dreamy pastels

Published Dec 16, 2021 02:45 pm

The two artists headline Art Lounge Manila’s latest exhibitions

Artworks by Gerrico Blanco and Roel Obemio

After a two-year hiatus, visual artist Gerrico Blanco is back on the scene and presents new artworks with his fourth solo exhibit, Dreamscape. Much like its name entails, the exhibit is a peek through the artist’s vision of the subconscious and that also plays with the theme of childhood innocence.

“In this exhibition, I am showcasing different dreams of people and bringing those dreams into life through my paintings,” Blanco says.

A master of his craft, Blanco elaborates the theme through his version of dreamy surrealism, which uses diaphanous effects. Also to see in the exhibit is his homage to iconic paintings, such as “Flaming June” by Sir Frederic Leighton, and a number of pieces that show Dutch masters’ still life paintings of flowers incorporated into his works. “Daydream I” and “Daydream II” artworks, which undoubtedly show the elevated skills and outlook of the artist, provide a view into the private life of Blanco. The two works, when taken as a diptych, show the artist and his wife in a cameo, juxtaposed almost nearly in yin-yang complementation.

Also presenting new art this season is Roel Obemio. In his 18th solo exhibit dubbed, Obemio, the artist showcases 36 artworks featuring his signature images of volumetric figurations of storybook characters. The artist uses volume as a narrative device to convey whimsy and fantasy.

As a whole, there are themes that echo the different artistic sides that Obemio is known for. First is homages, or the reworking of iconic high art pieces such as Raphael’s “The Three Graces,” Sandro Boticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” Sir Frederic Leighton’s “Flaming June,” Mindy Sommer’s “Cherubs.” There is the face mask or COVID-19-inspired series. And lastly, the colorful vignettes, many of which are dreamy and tender, are qualities that have persisted in his previous solo exhibitions.

“My art tells a narrative. Most of them portray themes of happiness, such as themes about family and a touch of human interest,” Obemio says. “There are themes of reverie, sometimes traversing surreal themes, but still very Filipino.”

Dreamscape and Obemio exhibits are presented by Art Lounge Manila. Both will run until Dec. 21, 2021 at the Podium Mall in Ortigas Center.

Related Tags

art lounge manila Gerrico Blanco Roel Obemio Arts and Culture
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