Liongoren 1997/2007, on view at the West Gallery in SM Megamall until October 9, sees Alfredo Liongoren returning to form with his latest collection of abstract paintings.
Reminiscent of his early works in the 1960’s, this new series offers viewers another glimpse into Liongoren’s rich cache of ideas. This time, Liongoren uses less color, but highlights them in both scale and texture. Using rustic tones and silhouettes, the pieces lend a certain amount of timelessness and spontaneity into the composition. By applying the impasto technique, Liongoren leaves room for an element of surprise, allowing drippings to render visual “accidents,” so to speak. Also included are works from a decade ago that will be exhibited for the first time. It’s all part of an artistic journey that Liongoren has taken.
Liongoren gained fame for his abstract works spread over more than four decades. But he has also proven that he is a versatile artist, painting landscape, still-life subjects, and portraiture between his abstract forms. “He paints in spurts, but when he does, he paints like a madman,” describes wife, Norma Liongoren, who also runs the Liongoren Gallery. “He is a fast worker. It’s the conceptualization that takes more time,” she adds.
Liongoren usually paints what he sees or feels in his immediate environment, whether they are physical objects or the prevailing mood or atmosphere around him. Surprisingly, he has not come up with as many one-man exhibitions as his contemporaries. To date, he has only mounted a little more than 10 solo shows. Yet Liongoren, who took up post-graduate studies at the Byam Scholl of Drawing and Painting in London under the auspices of the British Council, mixes it up very well, giving viewers something new to look to forward to every time he has a new exhibit.
Documentation
