Art Review : One Man Sio

One Man Sio is the exhibit that exhibits the works of Prof. Dennis “Sio” Montera at the Qube Gallery. The exhibit runs from June 18 to July 16, 2014.

The exhibit showcases artworks done in the non- representational style of abstract expressionism – an art movement pioneered by artists such as Robert Motherwell, Jackson Pollock, and Antoni Tapies, as well as Filipino artists like Nestor Vinluan and Jose Joya.

Abstract expressionism is one of the styles that present a lot of challenges to the artist for it has long been a subject of many misconceptions. The misconceptions include statements like: “The work is so easy, everyone can do it” or “they all look the same “or “abstract art is dead”.

Now the question is, does the works of Prof. Montera fall under these misconceptions or not?

“ Moving Heaven Back to Earth” – I am not going to try to interpret the painting because unless the artists says so, Abstract Expressionism is one of the styles that is very subjective. It really depends on the viewer. For example, I like this work because it is different from the others. It is not glossy. And it reminds me of chocolate cakes. The painting looks tasty.

First of all, I don’t believe that everyone can do Abstract Expressionism. Though it looks easy to the untrained eye, the art style requires mastery of skill and materials. It also requires knowledge of art theory and history.

Looking at Prof. Montera’s work, his works easily debunks the first and second misconception. This is because his mastery of the skill and art theories has produced his own unique style of abstract expressionism.

An amateur with no mastery of skill and the knowledge of the arts can do abstract expressionism but it would look like other abstract works. There is nothing unique about it. But an artist, like Prof. Montera loaded with the skills and art theories will produce unique abstract expressionist works. Comparing his works to other abstract artist, his style is his own. It is not copied from anyone. Some parts may look like some other work but overall it is not. It is the same effect when you look at a Vinluan or a Joya abstract work. Their works had a style distinct to their own. They did not copy.

This is what Prof. Montera is achieving. Putting his unique stamp to the abstract expressionist style, making it his own. Not everyone can do that because it requires hard work, creativity and risks taking.

Which leads us to the third misconception – abstract art is dead. To this one I say, an art style is not dead as long as new artists keep on coming and developing new ways and forms to do it then it can still be alive. Again, Prof. Montera is making it alive. He understands the concept of non-representational artwork. And because he is an artist, he believes that he can bring something new to the art style. And that is what we see in his artworks.

Artworks like “ Divided Against Itself”, “ Moving Heaven Back to Earth” and the “Impressions De Paris” series looks new and different because Prof. Montera’s uniqueness is being expressed on the canvas.

Only an artist willing to accept the challenge of creating something new to something believed to be old can do this. This is what it means to be an artist – to embrace one’s uniqueness and make something different. That is why not everyone can do art because not everyone is willing to be different.

Divided Against Itself – The work looks dirty but beautiful at the same time. If this painting was a man, this is what girls would refer to as “ruggedly handsome”.

An artist like Prof. Montera is bringing something different to abstract expressionism. And because of this he is also developing the art movement, making it alive.

The “One Man Sio” exhibit is truly a work of an artist, accepting the challenges of debunking misconceptions of a particular art movement and art in general.

The exhibit debunks the misconception that everyone can do art. It has proven to us that only a few can create art because the profession involves hard work, creativity, risks and all the other ingredients needed to be successful in something.

The exhibit has also shown that if an artist truly embraces one’s uniqueness then nothing can stop him from creating something new even if it involves reviving an old art movement like abstract expressionism.

The “Impressions De Paris “ Series – I have seen other artists try abstract painting on a smaller scale and most of them have failed. Because abstract relies a lot on spontaneity, painting it on a smaller canvas makes it harder because you have to control the spontaneity. You can’t get wild too much. And in these small abstract works, Prof. Montera has achieved that. The mix of strokes, medium and colors make the work stand out. He has achieved to control the spontaneity.

One Man Sio is sponsored by The Henry Hotel, Pizzeria Michelangelo, Darras and Bowler Wines, A~List Events, PR & Advertising, St. James Water, and the University of the Philippines -Cebu Campus. Qube Gallery is located at G/F Henry Hotel, One Paseo, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad, Cebu City.

(Contributed photos)

About the author: N.M. CABANGBANG graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting at University of the Philippines Cebu. He is now currently teaching grade 6 – 10 Art at B.R.I.G.H.T.  Academy. He also plays the bass and sings for the band – PALTIK.