Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt’s Inaugural SHOW, Opens January 7, 2023
In its inaugural show that opens in its Greenbelt 5 location, Galleria Nicolas presents Dominic Rubio’s much awaited exhibit “Ilustrados”. The second in a trilogy of one-man exhibits, “Ilustrados” is Rubio’s way of paying homage to the erudite or the enlightened ones that was the Filipino educated class during the Spanish colonial period.
These were the intellectuals coming from either the Indios (Filipino’s born in the islands), the Insulares (Spaniards born in the Philippines) or the Mestizos (those of mixed race or lineage) who were the children of wealthy land owners or the rich inteligensia.
These were the same people that believed in strong libertarian and nationalist ideas that ushered in the reform movement. Rubio avails of a strong artistic technique referred to as “Miniaturismo” where he pays special attention to detail and other accroutements like canes, hats, shoes, kerchiefs and fans while paying attention to the meticulous garment designs and embroidery. His keen observatory skills presents the customs, traditions and manner of living of our forefathers, the “Ilustrados” .
Interestingly, as the illustrious art historian the late Dr. Rueben Ramos Canete noted, Rubio’s strength is in his capability of making his collectors and his public “see themselves” through his works. Although he paints nostalgic scenes depicting our colonial past, Rubio is actually painting the Filipino of today. “Viewers retrieve from his painting a dialectic sense of individual and collective identification that only help to emphasize the significance of the established present”.
In a word, Rubio is painting the past as the present.
“Ilustrados” shows a couple holding hands on a balcony, or having a cup of coffee or an early dinner. A major work features many of them promenading in a leisurely stroll at a bridge atop the Pasig River. There are artworks of a mother with her son, a father with his son, while another painting depicts a family walking home from church service while others show a single figure dressed in their Sunday best. The exhibit will also feature several Rubio sculptures of “Ilustrados” going about their daily fare.
“Ilustrados” opens on Saturday January 7, 2023 at 5PM. Galleria Nicolas is located at the 3rd level of Greenbelt 5, Makati City. Exhibit runs from January 7-16, 2023. For Inquiries call: +63 936 225 1226 or +632 7 0071137, or email gallerianicolasgreenbelt@gmail.com
