“A cluster of toys signifies lots of things besides being a very exciting subject for still life. I like painting details and textures of subjects in paintings,” confesses Filipino painter and art teacher Fernando Sena, an artist who has discovered a captivating world within the vibrant hues and intricate textures of children’s toys. In his recently concluded exhibit, “Plastic and Colors of Youth,” at the Art Cube Gallery, Sena delved into the realm of childhood wonder and nostalgia, creating masterpieces that not only captivated the eye but also touched the heart.
Fernando Sena
For Sena, painting toys was an invigorating experience that allowed him to reconnect with the vibrant colors that evoke youthfulness and vitality. “When painting toys, I feel the vibrant colors are good for the heart. I feel younger, alive, and stronger,” he explained. Toys, often perceived as mere playthings, hold a deeper significance for the artist. Through his paintings, Sena reminds us that the toys parents buy for their children are symbols of love and affection.
Driven by his passion for challenging subjects, Sena deliberately chose toys as the focal point of his artistic expression. “I decided to paint toys because these are very challenging subjects. I prefer to tackle difficult and intricate subjects because the effort invested in them is truly rewarding,” he muses. To capture the essence of randomness and spontaneity, Sena refrained from arranging the toys meticulously, allowing their inherent charm to shine through. With soft pastels and a combination of acrylic and oil paints, he meticulously sketched and colored the toys on the canvas.
'Colorful Toys IV,' oil on canvas, 2022; 'Kids Toys IV,' oil on canvas, 2022
Each painting in the exhibit represented a treasured memory from the past of Sena’s children, encapsulating the colorful and joyful experiences of their youth. “All of my paintings represent my children’s past toys. I think they all resonate with nostalgia and therefore embody the essence of the colorful childhood experiences of my children,” Sena reflects. Through his art, he invited viewers to embark on a journey down memory lane, evoking conversations about their own childhood joys and reigniting their playful spirits.
Sena’s artworks possessed a unique quality that melds abstraction with recognizable details. “I think from afar my works seem to abstracted, but as you go near my paintings, the details make you recognize the objects,” he says. The layered composition of objects and toys encouraged viewers to immerse themselves in the intricacies, discovering familiar figures amid the delightful chaos. Sena hoped that this interactive aspect will not only bring joy but also spark conversations about the simple pleasures of childhood.
'Toys,' oil on canvas, 2022; 'Kids Toys III,' oil on canvas, 2022
While the exhibition may be a nostalgic trip for some, it held a deeper purpose for Sena. In a profound revelation, he says, “I think as we grow old, we forget to play like a child, to think like a child, to be creative without hesitation. And these pieces can somehow give us a little bit of inspiration to go back to those times and states of mind.” His artwork transcended the canvas, becoming a source of inspiration and healing. Reflecting on his personal journey, Sena revealed that creating these artworks helped him navigate through the depths of his own grief. With vulnerability and empathy, he hoped that others facing their own challenges may find solace and inspiration within his pieces.
“Plastic and Colors of Youth” unveiled the multi-faceted talent of Fernando Sena as he captured the essence of childhood enchantment and transforms it into breathtaking art. Through his meticulously crafted paintings, he rekindled the spirit of playfulness within each viewer, reminding us to embrace creativity and to treasure the innocence and joy of our past. As viewers walked through the exhibition, they immersed their senses in the whimsical reverie of Sena’s world, where plastic and colors converge to ignite the imagination and nurture the soul.
Art Cube Gallery is located at OPVI Centre 2295 Chino Roces Ext., Makati, Philippines