Fields of Hope

Nature is the biggest influence in James Gabito’s latest works –from the orchards, to the valleys, to the trails he had walked upon in memory. He draws immense inspiration from these places and attempts to bring its beauty into his works for “Fields of Hope”. Sceneries with human interest is Gabito’s greatest source of inspiration, and many of his paintings emerge from his love of the landscape and the people living in it.

For some Filipinos, especially those who transferred in the urban to make a living, farms and open nature are most alive in their imaginations, in the stories and images strung together as they individually construct in their minds an image of greener pasture. This is a complicated narrative, of course, one full with sentiments and nostalgia. Gabito means to call attention the beauty and importance of rural areas, not just as an observable landscape, but as the ephemeral image that built this nation and its people.

James Gabito, a Baguio-based artist, 2015 GSIS honorable mention and 2015 MADE finalist, paints archetypes of the mountain province culture attesting to the region's unspoiled vibrant way of living. Gabito assembles these images with a sense of artisanal intricacy and rawness to his subjects. Gabito's interpretation stems from his perspective of change in practice, such as that from weaving or planting rice.

“Fields of Hope” will be on view simultaneously at Galerie Raphael Shangri-la and Galerie Raphael Serendra from October 6 to 18, 2020. Galerie Raphael Shangri-la is located at Level 4, Main Wing Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City and Galerie Raphael Serendra is at the Second Level, The Piazza Serendra Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries, contact Galerie Raphael Shangri-la at +63 (2) 8941-6194 or email shang@galerieraphael.com.ph; or contact Galerie Raphael Serendra at +63 (2) 8856-3034 or email info@galerieraphael.com.ph.