HOW DOES one capture the beautiful and unpredictable nature of life? Life surrounds us, and artists have long sought to understand its beauty.
One such artist is Rustom Cleofe “Ombok” Villamor (b. 1979), whose recent oeuvre is characterized by fascinating abstractions of life-forms. The resulting paintings are organic narratives that bring out the rich dynamism and energy of life. This is keeping with the artist’s own explorations of nature-—particularly his experience living on the shores of his native Samar.
There is an aesthetic line that can be drawn between Ombok’s work and the practice of Modernist stalwart Raul Isidro, specifically their use of empty spaces to contrast dynamic abstract forms. This is not surprising—Isidro, who is also a native of Samar, served as a mentor to the younger Ombok. But there is more vitality in Ombok’s paintings, more verve and vigor.
Villamor’s latest works will be displayed at Galerie Joaquin for his fifth solo exhibition entitled “Vivere,” which is Spanish for “to live,” which opens Jan. 22 at Galerie Joaquin’s ground floor Centre Gallery.
Villamor is a product of North West Samar State University, where he graduated with a degree in Architecture. A professional graphic artist, Ombok has gained recognition from a variety of award-giving bodies, including being a finalist in the Non-Representational Category at the 2015 GSIS Art Competition, and a semi-finalist in the Oil Category of the 2002 ArtPetron National Student Art Competition. A proud Visayan, his works have been included in the prestigious VIVA Excon Biennale in Bohol and Bacolod.
“Vivere” is part of a double show along with Juvenal Sansó’s “Fields Abloom.” Exhibit runs till Feb. 5.
Galerie Joaquin is at 371 P. Guevarra St. and Montessori Lane in San Juan City. For more information, call 7239418 or visit www.galeriejoaquin.com.