In the realm of contemporary art, there are artists who break free from the constraints of convention, pushing boundaries of perception and understanding. Abe Orobia is undoubtedly one of these artists and his recently concluded solo show, “Unconquerable (Turn! Turn! Turn!),” at the Gallery 2 of Pinto Art Museum stood as a testament to his mastery of symbolic landscapes. Through his profound exploration of time, nature, and the human spirit, Orobia created an experience that captivates, challenges, and inspires. 

Orobia’s artistic journey began with a profound desire to intertwine the inescapable passage of time with the enduring spirit of humanity. “I titled my exhibition ‘Unconquerable (Turn! Turn! Turn!)’ to depict two things—time and  the human spirit,” he explains. “Time encompasses everything. Everything is subject to it, and the best way to represent it is by using nature as a metaphor.”

The sub-header, ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!,’ is inspired by the iconic song popularized by The Byrds in the 1960s, known for its powerful anti-war sentiments. Orobia drew an intriguing parallel between the tumultuous era of the Vietnam War and the current global pandemic, suggesting that just as history has demonstrated, this too shall pass. 

Although not religious, Orobia describes himself as reflective and spiritual, finding profound themes within the ancient text of Ecclesiastes’ “a time for everything.” This exploration was deepened by the isolating impact of the pandemic, leading him to reflect on the magnificence of nature in the face of uncertainty and loss. He shares, “The isolation cause by the pandemic has given me much clearer perspective and renewed understanding of it. With so many uncertainties, heartbreaks, and losses, I began to reflect more on the beauty and magnificence of nature. Nature reflects time and season.”

Orobia’s approach to art is deeply intricate and thoughtful. Each painting is accompanied by excerpts from his essay “Mahabaging Langit,” which enhanced the viewer’s understanding of the conveyed message. As Orobia suggests, the intricate balance between embracing joy and recognizing insignificance can bring contentment amid life’s uncertainties.

“As a symbolist painter, my art is a blend of experiences and perceptions,” says Orobia. “Just like my solo show in 2021, I made prose to accompany my art pieces. It gives the audience a better understanding of my philosophical rantings.”

His paintings transported viewers to landscapes that are both particular and ethereal, inviting them to contemplate the intricate connection between the tangible and the intangible.

His artworks also featured a recurring motif of crumpled paper, serving as a potent symbol of human presence and the transient nature of life. He elaborates, “Paper is delicate and beautiful yet fragile. It can be easily torn and wither. Paper is like our armor. It symbolizes our role and responsibility to our fellow human beings.” Much like the fragility of paper, human existence is fleeting, underscoring the importance of our actions during our limited time.

In “Unconquerable (Turn! Turn! Turn!),” Orobia’s art served as a visual testament to God’s omnipresence, intricately interweaving delicate crumpled papers with the backdrop of nature’s vastness. The juxtaposition emphasized the ephemeral nature of human endeavors against the enduring cycles of the natural world.

According to Orobia, “I portray God’s omnipresence through nature. This crumpled paper that is ever present in my works both in ink and painting reminds the audience that all activities and things we do are nothing compared through the grandness of nature.”

Orobia’s exhibit challenged viewers to reflect on their roles in shaping destinies and contributing to the restoration and harmony of the natural world. His works underscored the cyclical nature of life and time, advocating for inner peace and belief in the unseen. Orobia’s paintings, rich in symbolism and meaning, prompted audiences to consider their impact on the world and embrace hope in the face of adversity. 

Pinto Art Museum is located at 1 Sierra Madre Street, Grand Heights Subdivision 1870, Antipolo City. [email protected].