Barrio Vida

Cities have long represented the rise of human development and endeavor, serving as venues for culture, art, and commerce. James Gabito’s “Barrio Vida” attempts to capture the distinct qualities of a familiar city from his own memory, before its rise and demise.

Strong emotions can be prompted by a place. Over time, ways of life shape and define the people and the spaces in which they live. Gabito’s paintings are positioned somewhere between a reality that is directly perceived and one that is artistically constructed. As a visual artist, he is drawn to areas and structures that show character acquired from the history and recollection of the people that formed that environment. This led him to paint scenes of familiar yet bygone buildings and establishments, capturing their beauty and mystery with an underlying melancholy for what has been lost along the way.

“Barrio Vida” offers viewers a strikingly distinct take on the “Old Manila” imagery. The exhibit focuses on the complexity of time and the human perception of it, revealing subtle details that give insight to moments that become memories in time.

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. He 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.

“Barrio Vida” by James Gabito will be on view from June 10 to 20, 2022. Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center is located at 2/F Phase 2 U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact +63 (2) 8247-1109 or email info@galerieraphael.com.ph.