Verdant Vistas

Villaluz’s art is more than a visual feast. It is an exploration of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. By zeroing in on the minute details of leaves and foliage, Ralph Villaluz seamlessly weaves an intimate dialogue between his subjects and the observer, where the latter becomes a silent spectator of its own existence.

For his latest exhibition, visual artist Ralph Villaluz takes us on a philosophical journey where we find meaning in the details that often escape our notice. Rendering various natural patterns found on Colocasia leaves and Anthurium Foliage, Villaluz visually reinforces the inherent meditative quality found even within nature’s tiniest details. The artist shares, “I always consider reconnecting to nature by visiting my garden. Most of the time, I visualize and capture important details by looking at how light affects colors in the leaves, the trailing fibers on found wood, and even the soil. It is important to include these details in my works.”

At its core, Ralph Villaluz’s “Verdant Vistas” is an invitation to find the reflective and sincere connection between man and nature, viewed from a lens where its meaning is in the still and unnoticed. Where its essence lies in the fluidly rendered representations of nature that inhabit various forms of expression, ranging from intense passion to the fleeting delight portrayed by their unique handling of color, line, and composition; And by placing their primacy framed and on display, they slowly unravel the intangible magnitude of the human condition.

Ralph William Villaluz (b. 1986) is a visual artist from Quezon City, Metro Manila. Art has always been a hobby since his primitive years; creating paper cut-outs of character illustrations, watching sci-fi films, and playing RPG games. This hobby became a passion once he discovered a zeal for nature and its rudimentary elements. “Art is my soul and nature simply fuels it,” Villaluz states. His eye for artistry further developed his academic learnings in figurative art, gradually utilizing his core skills once he transitioned into abstraction.

He studied Painting at the University of the Philippines Diliman, and received his Fine Arts in Advertising degree from the Far Eastern University. His enthusiasm for gardening emanates in his art process, much like how he pays great attention to ornamental plants with unique colors and patterns. “I've found my glory in planting and growing plants, finding satisfaction in my garden is my form of therapy, a source of inspiration and contribution to the community as well as to mother nature itself,” Villaluz states.

Villaluz describes his artmaking as a spiritual connection to nature, in which his foliage works act as a bridge toward his continuous effort to understand the life he inhabits and surrounds. He hopes his art be a sanctuary to life’s uncertainties; a parcel for us to pause, reflect, and breathe. “These meanings create the foundation where I work my art, taking the leaf as the basic representation of nature to manipulate and transform,” the artist concludes.

“Verdant Vistas” by Ralph Villaluz will be on view at Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt from January 17 – 28, 2024 with the Artist Reception on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 5:00 PM. 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 gallerianicolasgreenbelt@gmail.com.