Villanueva, Reyes, De Leon & Obemio at ‘Four @ Play’

MANILA, Philippines - Harmony from differences is the basis for an exhibit organized by Galerie Francesca. The works at “Four @ Play” see Saturday Group stalwarts Migs Villanueva, Omi Reyes, Anna de Leon, and Roel Obemio collaborating, interacting, and even playing with each other with separate and conjoined works. The collaborative works are not “forced,” but blend seamlessly into each other in unique testimony to the concept of trust, respect and balance.

These four artists are some of the most active members of today’s famed Saturday Group. Their backgrounds, however, are significantly different. Mentored by the Mauro Malang Santos, Migs Villanueva is a proponent of the Japanese aesthetic concept of wabi sabi, eschewing formalism and its obsession with perspectives and anatomy. Instead, the artist uses a naif aesthetic in recreating the figures of children. Preferring bold pastel colors, she has recently begun to experiment with integrating paper reliefs in her canvas works, lending a three-dimensional feel to her expanding oeuvre.

Volume is a device Roel Obemio uses to lend a personal sense of nostalgia to the reality of this vision, with the characters of his works being similar to Fernando Botero’s own figures. But while Botero is a dour social realist, Obemio tinges his works with an upbeat optimism and hearty sense of humor.

Anna De Leon, while not being formally trained in visual arta, has had a successful career in the applied art that is interior design. De Leon’s visual arts practice utilizes materials and techniques associated with interior design and architecture. De Leon has also formed many recurring motifs that further the progression of her concept. Two eggs, for instance, as a symbol for coupling and love — and a binding element of a string that brings them together.

Romeo “Omi” Reyes is the sculptor of the group, primarily known for using steampunk aesthetics in his practice. Reyes is one of the key players in the increased popularity of steampunk in the art scene. He was instrumental in organizing the 1st Steampunk Exhibit at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in 2014. 

“Four @ Play” runs from July 31 to Aug. 5, with an opening reception on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the SM Megamall Art Center located at the 4th floor of SM Megamall A, Mandaluyong City.

For information, call Galerie Francesca at 570-9495, 659-2667 or email galeriefrancesca001@yahoo.com.ph and galeriefrancesca.mega@gmail.com.