Richard Arimado’s exhibit “Chronicles” at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell was a powerful and touching tribute to Filipino life. Richard’s work, instantly recognizable by its whimsical style and vibrant colors, went beyond simple depiction. It transformed everyday scenes into a profound visual narrative that explored the deep connections within a community. His art felt both nostalgic and utterly fresh, blending the heart of folk storytelling with sharp, insightful observation.

The star of the show was Richard’s unique perspective. He masterfully used a bird’s-eye view in his works, a technique that turned his paintings into intricate, living maps. On display were pieces like “Sunday Procession” and “Chronicles of Everyday,” where viewers were invited to hover above the world he created. From this elevated vantage point, we saw a bustling choreography of life: Horse-drawn carriages, cars, and bicycles navigating streets filled with people. Each figure, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, was meticulously placed. This wasn’t a detached perspective—it was a unifying one. Richard used it to place every vendor, traveler, and bystander on the same visual plane, subtly asserting that every single person was an essential part of the grand, interconnected story.

Beyond the canvases, Richard’s world extended into three dimensions with equally engaging sculptures. Some of his works offered a more intimate look at his signature characters. The young boy in the “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” holding a small pail, and the girl in the “Collecting Daisies,” clutching a bouquet of flowers, were both looking up with a sense of wonder of hope. These images served as punctuation to the larger narratives found in his paintings. They highlighted the quiet dignity and personal dreams within the communal flow of life, reminding us that even within the busiest crowd, each individual had a unique story to tell.

Ultimately, “Chronicles” was Richard’s act of love and tribute. It served as a powerful reminder that there is profound beauty and meaning in the ordinary rhythm of daily life—in the simple acts of walking, waiting, and dreaming. His work elevated these moments, preserving them as if to this day, “This too is worth remembering.” The exhibit was a precise, humorous, and very moving examination of what it is to be touched, to be connected, to imply that, occasionally, you must move away and observe from above to see the threads truly binding us all together.

“Chronicles” ran from Aug. 5 to 17, 2025. It was an exhibit that offered not just a new perspective on art, but a fresh way of looking at the world around you.

Galerie Joaquin Rockwell is located at the R3 level of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati. For inquiries, contact +63915-4145502 or email [email protected]