I always anticipate with curious excitement every time Conrad Manila unveils its latest edition of the popular Of Art and Wine exhibits because these always feature amazing masterpieces from Filipino artists. These phenomenal artistic creations always reinforce the stature of the Filipino talent which can easily compare with, and even surpass, those of other world-renowned artists.
Whispers From The Other World is the hotel’s 31st edition of its art exhibit series. It features artist Kristian Somera who shares his journey of exploring the perceived value of truth through his 24 artworks, using mixed media abstract, now on display at the hotel’s Gallery C. The artist has used these stellar art pieces to pull himself out of a personal crisis he was faced with in the past.
The featured art pieces resulted from the artist’s deep month-long spiritual hiatus in Indonesia propelled by what he has been pondering throughout his life – Why am I here? What is my place in the universe? What is the ultimate truth?
Each artwork is a physical manifestation of all the wisdom he has gathered from his personal journey of seeking these “truths.” Through his paintings, the artist aims to create a visual statement that will challenge the spectators to look past what society has conditioned the human mind to perceive as true.
Using color, imagery, and abstraction, he encourages viewers to look beyond what is right in front and engage in an introspective experience that helps them interpret the painting and discover new wisdom about themselves. This is the reason why I enjoyed the exhibit because it made me realize so many new things about myself and gave me a clearer understanding of why I shouldn’t take many things for granted. Going through the entire exhibit was certainly a very mental and emotional experience for me.
Out of the two dozen art pieces on display, all mixed media on canvas and framed in solid wood, I singled out three which captivated my thoughts and emotions as I viewed them closely. I featured them on this page because the visual poetry of each drew me into deeper and more pleasant thoughts. The artist has, indeed, succeeded in delivering a strong message through his skillful brushstrokes.
Fabio Berto, general manager of Conrad Manila, proudly declared that the hotel will continue to promote Filipino arts and craftsmanship through this exhibit series which gives the spotlight on seasoned artists as well as rising neophytes.
The exhibit was officially opened with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony led by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) president Elizabeth Sy, SMHCC executive vice-president Peggy Angeles, featured artist Kristian Somera, exhibit curator Nestor Jardin, and general manager Fabio Berto
Each artwork is available individually for purchase and the exhibit runs until Oct. 12. More information on this art collection and other offerings of Conrad Manila is available at www.conradmanila.com or at +632 8833 9999.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
Why is the equal sign always humble?
Because it knows it isn’t greater than
nor less than anything else.
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