In today’s fast-paced world, where time seems to slip through our fingers like sand, the need for moments of pause and reflection becomes more crucial than ever. Valen Valero, a talented Filipino artist, recognizes this need and presents her latest exhibit “New Wave” at the MGallery MNL as a gateway to a world of vibrant colors, emotions, and personal introspection.
Valen Valero; 'Superbloom 2,' acrylic on canvas, 2023
Valero’s artwork is a testament to her ability to capture the essence of life’s motion and flow. Drawing inspiration from the songs she listens to and the emotions they evoke, she creates pieces that speak directly to the viewer’s soul. Her work serves as a reminder that we are the authors of our own stories, and each chapter depends on how we embrace the ever-changing nature of life.
“I engage my viewers through art,” Valero explains. “My work will take you to a different dimension. Living in modernity, I adapt to the present and look forward to the future with a positive outlook in life. I hope that viewers feel the same way, free-flowing and just positive.”
'Love Connection,' acrylic on canvas, 2023; 'Superbloom 1,' acrylic on canvas, 2023
To bring her vision to life, Valero carefully selects her mediums and techniques, utilizing pastel and vibrant colors that complement the theme of the exhibition. Acrylic paint serves as her primary medium, allowing her to create layered works filled with mixed vocabularies that reveal themselves upon closer inspection. Elements float in different directions, offering a sense of freedom and movement. The addition of round canvases and their attachment to the main canvas give the paintings a softer vibe and an unmistakable ’80s feel. Valero skillfully incorporates lines that possess a mesmerizing 2D and 3D effect, adding depth to her already -captivating pieces.
When it comes to color, Valero understands the power it holds in shaping emotions. She explains, “Colors play an important role in creating art. Colors affect your emotions. With the pieces I recently showcased, I want my viewers to feel a sense of joy. No matter what they are going through in life, when they look at my art, I want to give them a sense of hope.”
'Emotional High,' acrylic on canvas, 2023; 'Follow Through,' acrylic on canvas, 2023
Valero’s connection to music, particularly new wave retro pop, is an integral part of her creative process. She was born in the ’80s and the music of her childhood holds a special place in her heart. Drawing inspiration from the melodies and lyrics, Valero crafts pieces that go beyond visual aesthetics. The synergy between music and art creates a harmonious blend that influences her techniques and style.
Through the selection of shapes, color palettes, geometric forms, and the depth of layers, Valero weaves a unique creative language in her artwork. “It gives me a sense of freedom to do things my own way without restrictions,” she says. “I always wanted to work spontaneously. The ideas come out naturally. It is more fun to do things when you don’t think too much about the process. It ruins the excitement when you start being too technical. Your techniques and style will always be there. We learn to enhance our talent through the years.”
The process of creating artworks for this exhibition has brought both challenges and rewards for Valero. She acknowledges the pressure to present new works in each exhibit, but she remains steadfast in focusing on self-expression and transferring her feelings onto the canvas. For her, there is no right or wrong in art, it is, instead, a medium of personal expression and happiness.
Among the collection, two pieces hold significant meaning for Valero—Superbloom 1 and Superbloom 2. These works encapsulate the core themes of modernity and breaking free from old ways. They symbolize the importance of embracing change and progressing at one’s own pace, without succumbing to external pressures.
Valero’s artwork resonates with diverse audiences, capturing their attention with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. “My works are more vibrant, and my viewers were able to notice it,” she says. “This show is about continuous progress, change, and modernity.”
In this era of constant distraction, Valen Valero’s “New Wave” exhibit stands as a visual bridge, connecting viewers to their inner voices and encouraging a deeper engagement with their personal dialogues. With each stroke of her brush, she invites viewers to connect with themselves and experience the emotions she poured into her artwork. Through this shared visual language, she inspires her audience to embark on their own introspective journeys and find solace in the colorful waves of life.
“Every time I create something, I make it a point to connect with myself and my feelings. I hope my viewers can feel that,” says Valero. “I connect to the viewer through visual art, and they have the free will to use their imagination to visualize what I am trying to convey.”
Valen Valero’s “New Wave” exhibit is a transformative experience, an opportunity to dive into a world of colors, emotions, and personal introspection. So take a moment to pause, step into the gallery, and let Valero’s art guide you on a journey of self-discovery and positive change.
MGallery MNL is located at 17D, DPL Bldg., MJ Paterno st., Pasadena, San Juan City.