Artist Erwin Leaño’s new one-man exhibit is simply titled “Still,” in which he captures familiar scenes and paints them onto his canvas just like a photographer takes pictures. The exhibit is on view at West Gallery, SM Megamall, until June 10.
In Still, Leaño doesn’t only feature still life objects, but also adds some human dimension. Before, he would only concentrate on either still life or figures, but this time, he’s experimenting on using them together, even as figures may only be in the foreground and not the main subject. Leaño says that composing them into one coherent scene remains a challenge, though he also gets ideas from pictures. The aim is to capture what seems to be an everyday scene, and fusing it with painterly elements to render timelessness.
The works, all done in oil, also use mostly monochromatic hues, particularly browns, giving it a sepia-like effect. Leaño says that he prefers to stick with minimal colors so that he can control them better, and at the same time, make the compositions look like they were old photos. There is an emphasis on empty spaces, underscoring the “stillness” of each scene. Still doesn’t necessarily mean quietness or calmness every time, though. There is every inch an enigma to what lies beyond every window and every door. All the doors remain closed, while some windows are partly open, as if inviting curiosity. Some works may suggest motion, but “stillness” dominates the picture.
Leaño says that he plans to continue exploring this approach, as he merges the different elements he has been using over the years, including the play on light and shadow. Besides painting, he also conducts art workshops. Leaño thinks teaching also helps him with his art, as if he is learning new skills along with his students. The exhibit may be titled “Still,” but he is constantly searching for new ideas everywhere he goes.
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