Aljo Pingol’s ‘Folkism’ at The Podium

MANILA, Philippines - Aljo Pingol mounts a one-man exhibition which is on view starting today until May 5 at the second floor atrium of The Podium, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Titled “Folkism” and presented by Galerie Joaquin Podium, the exhibition formally opens on May 2 at 6:30 p.m. and features new works by this young master of narrative folk scenes in an exhibition that draws upon the best samplings of his works.

A fantastic example of Pingol’s style is his painting “A New Day,” which is a cacophony of sights and colors. A traditional horse-drawn calesa passes sorbetes and balloon vendors in a scene straight from the collective notion of the idyll. The brilliant use of color is highly apparent in the finer details — the balloons, the calesa’s yellow paint, the multicolored pathways are all under a bright blue sky. It is as if Pingol found the means to distill the essence of Philippine optimism and spread it on a canvas. Similar in approach is “Candy Vendor,” which takes a specific scene and casts it in front of the bright red of a luminous sunset as well as “Kalesa” with its highly innovative frontal view of the subject.

There are also Pingol’s depictions of various rural types of people — from the iconic taho vendor to sabong aficionados to workers busy at their craft. These are traditional Philippine activities and the artist successfully captures them with all the inherent cheerfulness and prosperity in a bygone era. Pingol’s paintings allow viewers to live within that moment, and inspire them to create a country where this can happen again.

For inquiries, visit Galerie Joaquin Podium at Unit B12-B13, lower ground level, The Podium, call 634-7954/723-9253, or visit www.galeriejoaquin.com.