MAX Balatbat’s latest exhibition, “Kalsada,” at Gallery Indigo at BenCab Museum highlights the artist’s belief that there is an indestructible positivity and goodness in places which are commonly perceived bleak and lowly.
“Kalsada” displays beguiling elements of different structures— chaotic streets, obscure façades, and confused scenarios—in an interesting labyrinth of densely elaborate and imposing webs of rugged blocks, incongruous lines and images in a variegated palette.
Rich in metaphor and emotive content, the compositions are layered depictions of visceral narratives of the personal and communal. Both real and conjured, these places are storied locations which consistently provide the muse for creative engagement.
Balatbat studied Fine Arts at the University of the East in Caloocan where he was recognized for Exemplary Performance in Visual Arts. He received awards here and abroad, and has participated in major solo and group exhibitions in Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea and China.
Museum visitors can also view “Philippine Life” at BenCab Museum’s Print Gallery, featuring hand-colored engravings from The Illustrated London News of 1857.
Both exhibitions are running until Aug. 14.
BenCab Museum is on Km. 6, Asin Road, Tuba, Metro Baguio, and is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday. For details, call 074-4427165, 0920-5301954 or 0915-1286393; e-mail bencabartfoundation@gmail.com; or visit www.bencabmuseum.org