Filipina Soul

His biography of works and exhibits and the list of paintings signed by his name, make him one of the most acclaimed Filipino artists around. He paints with such passion and emotions that translates into his work, such as in this painting of an oil on canvas titled “Rendevous”, 1981.

Two wooden chairs. A single fresh rose on the floor between. A dove with its neck stretched… Is this about a failed meeting between lovers, or about waiting for someone to come?

Three years ago, Carlo Magno had his own rendevous with art.

“Gradually, things became very technical for me and I felt boxed to a certain extent. Almost everything I did involved a pattern. I could hardly explore and express what I wanted,” recalls the artist. “I was also struggling in my personal life while soul searching in my art.”

This soul searching lead to an awakening, and a transformation from a realist to an abstract painter. His first exhibit titled “Transformation” in 2003 depicted this new change in his life. The painting “Eternal Tree”, below, is a sample of what transpired in him

Relates the Manila Times:

Critics and even his peers discouraged him from pursuing abstraction to return to realism. Challenged and unperturbed, Magno defied his detractors with his succeeding sold-out exhibitions “On Higher Ground,” “Transcendence” and “Leap of Faith” in 2004, to “Abounding Prosperity” and “Firm Foundation” in 2005. With faith in God and his talent, the born-again Christian followed his calling and eventually regained the admiration and respect of his colleagues.

On October 22, Carlo Magno will be part of Sotheby’s short list of works auctioned for Fall 2006 for its Southeat Asian Art category in Singapore. Meanwhile, catch his much-anticipated and latest exhibit from September 19-25 at the Artspace in Glorietta. It’s aptly titled Rock of Ages, a reflection of his maturity on canvas.

[Source: ManilaTimes; CuadroFilipino; Carlo Magno Arts]

Tags: abstract painting, Artspace Glorietta, Asia, Carlo Magno, Filipino artists, Filipino painters, Sotheby’s, visual realist

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