An Orphic Symphony

Born out of a desire to explore the intrinsic qualities of art itself, Norberto Carating’s newest exhibition offers a collection of works where aesthetic experience and the beauty of abstraction takes precedence. By focusing on the innate qualities of form, balance, and visual elements, Carating’s extensive oeuvre helps us to expand our understanding of artistic expression by challenging traditional boundaries and norms.

The compositions that adorn Carating’s works possess a delicate balance, akin to the rhythmic cadence of poetic verses. Masterfully juxtaposing his elements, Carating guides the viewer’s gaze throughout his canvas, unfolding unique narratives that whisper secrets in the language of shapes, lines, and color. Through his artistic alchemy, he reminds us that art is not only an imitation of life, but also a portal to transcendence, where the soul finds solace in the embrace of the unseen.

In the end, Norberto Carating's creative genius invites us to embrace the beauty that lies in the simplicity of form. It moves us to cast aside the weight of interpretation and surrender ourselves to the timeless elegance of artistic expression. Just as an orchestra holds a symphony of undiscovered hymns, so too does Carating’s artworks offer us an eternal wellspring of aesthetic contemplation, a boundless realm where the profound power of form reigns supreme.

Norberto “Lito” Carating (b. 1948) is an exponential presence in the world of Philippine non-representational Art, a distinction he enjoys for more than four decades now. He officially started his career as an exhibiting artist with his first solo exhibition of works in 1974. Under the country's foremost abstract expressionist Jose Joya, Norberto Carating obtained his bachelor of Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines in 1971. A consistent winner in practically all the national art competitions, including the 13 Artist Award in 1990 from the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Carating time and again has represented the country in many international art events in China, Cuba, and the United States. He has extensively exhibited his works coast to coast in the USA and Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, as well as in Hong Kong and Singapore. His works can be found in the private homes of the country’s 400.

Considered one of the masters of abstract modernism, Carating's metallic abstractions, in particular, are favorites of Manila’s collectors because of their colors, texture and meditative quality.

“An Orphic Symphony” by Norberto Carating will be on view from June 13 – 22, 2023. Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt is located at 3F, Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati City. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas at +63 936 225 1226 or email at gallerianicolasgreenbelt@gmail.com.