Deliberate Pause

Horror Vacuii or the “fear of open spaces” has been ascribed as a feature of Philippine Art. Fiestas, jeepneys, markets, and even our main thoroughfares are filled with colors, textures, images, and sounds. And so it is with much of Philippine Art. Owing perhaps to ideals of agricultural abundance and a survival strategy which includes large, tight knit families and communities, space is considered an emptiness, a barrenness, or a solitude that is to be avoided.

In opposition, traditional Japanese and Chinese aesthetics integrate space as an essential element in their art. Societies with long histories of war and conquest, space is a meditative device, space is seen as an aid to still the mind, to bring focus, clarity, and stillness.

In this age of sensory overstimulation, where a multitude of data, images and sound floods everyone at anytime of the day, at the touch of a screen or the flick of a button, think of movies on demand from netflix, youtube, the internet or inane updates and trends from twitter, tiktok, facebook or IG, art that makes space and gives pause seems like a necessity. Art that prioritizes stillness, serenity and simplicity, must have a function.

The works of Patrick Esmao, Ricky Francisco and Rafaelle Louise can what can be seen as Mindful Abstract Minimalism. Deliberate in their technique, their works are the diametric opposite of abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock, and are instead are closer to the abstraction of Mark Rothko or Arturo Luz, where building the image is methodical and considered.

Esmao’s technique involves sewing gold & silver thread on predominantly monochromatic canvas. Hard-edged, the architectural subjects are devoid of people, lending themselves to contemplation as aesthetic objects much like sculptures; allowing for a quiet reflection on the relationship of forms that build the whole.

Francisco’s works highlight local hand woven inabel, or textiles from Ilocos. Sourced mainly from Vigan’s 2012 Living Treasures awardees, his works highlight the importance of preserving local weaving traditions while using their formal elements as a study of textural contrasts.

Rafaelle Louise appear to be inspired by Zen Buddhism and the unity of seemingly disparate concepts like Emptiness and Fullness, and Awareness and “No Mind”. Deliberate in its sparseness, the works spark mindfulness and contemplation.

Taken in their entirety, the works of Esmao, Francisco & Rafaelle Louise are distinct but similarly quiet. They provide a pause to the frenetic pace we are enmeshed in, and provide relief from the raucous cacophony of every day life.

Galerie Rafael - UP Town Center is pleased to present “Deliberate Pause: The Mindful Minimalism of Patrick Esmao, Ricky Francisco & Rafaelle Louise”. It runs from June 3 to June 12 12, 2024 at Galerie Rafael - UP Town Center.