The artist reworked old windows to frame her paintings, and has transformed the gallery space into a nexus where one can peer through several places at once.
This visual device, known as the pictorial window, was used as early as the late Roman period to enhance an indoor space by opening it onto otherworldly vistas.
Santos-Estrella creates pictorial windows of spaces laden with beautiful memory.
Je t’aime (French for “I love” or “like”) refers to the artist’s emotional regard for the subject and inspiration for her pieces.
“The show is an homage to my parents, Jim and Myrna Santos, as they celebrate their 70th birth year… My way of saying thank you for showing me the world,” the artist said. “The show features cities I love.”
These cities, painted within reused windows, include Venice, New York, Paris, even Las Piñas.
The exhibit opens Sept. 28, 3 p.m., with a preview presentation of the artist’s jewelry.
Santos-Estrella was a luxury merchandising director and fashion buyer for a retail firm before turning to art in 2010. She held her first solo show in 2011.
“Je t’aime” is her third solo exhibit. The artist has her own gallery, Jstudio, where she collaborates on creative events with artist-friends and art enthusiasts.
“Je t’aime” runs Sept. 28-Oct. 23.
Pinto Art Museum is a private museum dedicated to the presentation of Philippine contemporary art, based on the art collection of Dr. Joven Cuanang.
The Pinto Art Gallery showcases current forms of artmaking and features established and new artists in simultaneous solo shows.
The Pinto Art Museum is at 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights, Antipolo City, Rizal. For inquiries, call tel. 6971015 or e-mail pintoartmuseum@yahoo.com.