Top Vieux

Perspective can dramatically change a work of art. What was once hidden at eye-level can be something completely new and different with, say, a birds-eye point-of-view. It takes an artist of wit and bravado to go beyond what is common and explore the different dimensions of what he paints. This also opens up a whole new world for an art-lover who is accustomed to taking in paintings from an ordinary angle.

Richard Arimado (b.1970) is such a painter. Painting birds-eye views of nostalgic street scenes, Arimado takes his audience on a journey of perspective, showing masterly street scenes from above with his figures looking up. Arimado’s distinct compositions use turn-of-the-century motifs that give his paintings a nostalgic aura that is only enhanced by his playful treatment of perspective.

Now, art lovers can view his latest works on display at his latest one-man show. Entitled Top Vieux, the exhibit will open at Galleria Nicolas on November 7, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. and runs until November 20, 2013.

The newly-renovated Galleria Nicolas located at the 3rd Floor Art Space in Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City hosts this much awaited Arimado exhibition. Inquiries may be directed to their landline at (632) 625-0273 or email at info@gallerianicolas.com.

Manileño born

Richard Arimado was born and raised in Manila and has always had an inclination towards the visual arts, studying Drafting Tech at the Technological Institute of the Philippines, and later Advertising at the Panday Sining Art Study Center.

The defining characteristic of Arimado’s art is that of a perspective. Arimado paints his subjects from the topview, in the act of looking up, pausing as if to examine the audience staring down at them. His vision of turn-of-the-century motifs shows a strong nostalgic tendency of our cultural past and of the artist's, as Arimado explores various aspects of the Philippine way of life. Freezing mid--walk was perhaps a luxury long forgotten, but successfully captured by the artist with wide--eyed curiosity.

Tutuban Train Station

For his latest exhibition, Arimado expands the settings of his paintings. Depicting his figures in boats along the Pasig River, or in the Tutuban Train Station, or in the plaza rotunda of a church, Arimado once again goes beyond his comfort zone and brings us to places of memory through the fantastic viewpoints that elicit playfulness and a cutting sense of humor. These paintings are wonderful guides of what our cities once were at the height of its greatness. In this manner, Arimado is also a painter of memory and history—but from the vantage point of idyllic nostalgia.

This lighthearted approach has seen collectors recently snapping up Arimado pieces. An Arimado artwork is perfect in the family room or den—where collectors can reminisce about a bygone era. Internationally, Richard Arimado is gaining much recognition in the art scene. In the recently-held charity auction of International Care Ministries in Hong Kong, Arimado’s 30 x 36 oil on canvas painting “Old Manila” fetched HK$39,800, or Php211,000. With his profile rising, Arimado’s latest exhibition has become a must-see art event and it would be a shame for any collector to miss it.