Exhibitions

Some artists are rich and resonant enough to yield generations of reinterpretation. Distilling what appears to be figurations into their essential lines, shapes, and forms, National Artist Arturo Luz has pioneered and defined Philippine abstract minimalism. Luz transformed mystical cityscapes and temples into blocks, circles, colors, and lines, solidifying his status as a stalwart of the international movement for minimalist abstraction. It was Luz’ unwavering dedication to art that influenced visual artist Patrick Esmao in creating his works for his latest solo exhibition titled “Metropolis Reimagined”.

Arturo Luz’ creation of organized balance, pattern and symmetry found in nature and architecture plays an integral part in Patrick Esmao’s art practice. With this theory in mind, Esmao searched for ways to build on this intention, and found himself drawn to patterns and lines. Geometric symmetry became his starting point, as it forces illusionistic space out of the painting at constant intervals by using a regulated pattern. He relied on this approach in order to create his tribute to Arturo Luz, such as the latter’s “Cities of the Past” and “Imaginary Landscapes” series.

For “Metropolis Reimagined”, Esmao examines the interrelationship of landscape, environment, and even technology. His work is an on-going exploration of abstraction based on forms both found in nature and those conceived by human ingenuity; a direct ode to Luz. Drawing inspiration from the modernist master’s oeuvre, Esmao’s own body of work continuous to resonate with the digital world, a culture of online information distribution. His non-traditional landscapes borrow from the cartographic and geometric abstraction of Luz, and celebrate both urban centers and rural living-- from history to the contemporary.

Patrick Esmao (b.1986) is a visual artist hailing from Baras, Rizal. He took up Education at the University of Rizal System, major in Drafting. In 2008, together with three other friends, he organized a group in Morong, Rizal known as the MUSTRA ARTISTS GROUP. Esmao excelled in the area of commercial arts where he developed his knowledge in colors, composition, design principles, and self-expression through visual media.

“Metropolis Reimagined” by Patrick Esmao will run from August 20 to 30, 2021. For inquiries, please contact Galerie Joaquin at info@galeriejoaquin.com or (+632) 8723 9253.