Veteran painter Omi Reyes explores new styles in “OMIchanics,” an expression of his evolving art.

 

In the last three years, there has recognizably been a transition in the theme and form of Omi’s paintings and sculptures. Being on the art scene for some decades now, he refuses to stay cloistered in past themes and genres.

 

His 17th show aptly captures the symbolism behind the number. According to numerologists, 17 represents the action of the evolution on the cosmos and its tendency toward karmic liberation, 1+7 = 8.

 

Reyes takes it a notch higher, his works serving as a reminder that if one liberates one’s consciousness, there’s no limit to what one can do with the universe.

 

Reyes innovates the retro-futuristic perspective of the Victorian era in “Steampunk,” which intricately mixes metallic pieces and wood elements, showing how opposites can foment unbridled synergy.

 

In “Motion in Stillness” II, metal and wood fuse in a circle, evoking a gateway of sorts to eternity. In similar fashion, “Mechanical Elegance” breathes an out-of-this-world appeal as it resembles a cosmic cube, an object also known as a tesseract, featured in the movies “Thor” and “Avengers,” which are influenced by Norse mythology.

 

With the new style, Reyes signals a new transition as well as his own liberation.

 

“OMIchanics” opens July 31, at Crucible Gallery, L/4, Bldg. A, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City; tel. 6356061 or 0917-8683455.