Art critic Cid Reyes once said that artist Camille de la Rosa was “the youngest Impressionist in the Philippines.”
Her early practice isn’t far off from this claim—she is, after all, the daughter of the late painter Ibarra de la Rosa who has mastered the broad strokes and bright palettes that have come to define Impressionism.
But De la Rosa has pursued more contemporary styles since winning an honorable mention from the Art Association of the Philippines’ 58th Annual Art Competition in 2005, and holding her solo exhibit, “Aenigma,” in 2009.
Her contemporary experiments are again evident in her new solo show, “Reina Imperium,” which will open in Art Underground on June 26.
Here, she examines the strengths of women in a series of surreal portraits that are fascinating in their intricacy. Her skillful technique is on full display, painting women in their power roles as mothers, warriors and queens—albeit with the surreal edge that sets her apart from other contemporary artists.
Exhibit runs until July 7. Art Underground is at 814 Balagtas St., Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City. Call 7210745; e-mail artundergroundmanila@ gmail.com.