Allain Hablo’s seventh solo, “Sacred Scars,” has opened the second branch of Galerie Joaquin Podium Podium Mall, Mandaluyong City. It will run until Dec. 13

Born in Estancia, Iloilo City, Hablo won in the Metrobank art contest in 2000. He has since been a full-time artist. He has won also won key prizes from Shell and Philippine Art Awards; and exhibited at the Red Mill Gallery in United States, Avellana Art Gallery, Galerie de Arsie, Casa Real de Iloilo, ManilArt and Art Fair Philippines.

For his new show, he has created 20 lacquer and gold powder paintings.

He said his new series is governed by the philosophy of kintsugi (golden joinery), which originated in 15th century Japan The Buddhist practice repaired broken ceramic vessels using gold lacquer veins and patches from other existing pieces, the resulting joinery highlighting the place and occurrence of damage.

Often, these ceramics were tea ceremony utensils, wherein the participant’s use of the repaired items would inspire a deepened awareness of the passage of time, as well as one’s own inevitable mortal fate.

“Sacred Scars” will have an artist’s reception on Dec. 5, at 6 p.m.

Galerie Joaquin Podium is at 3/L, The Podium, Mandaluyong City. Call 0917-1589243; e-mail [email protected].