Art Review: Things to Come

On September 25, 2014 to October 8, 2014, Qube Gallery presented to the Cebu art scene a premier collection series entitled, “Things to Come”.

“Things to Come,” was the exhibit of the abstract works of Leopoldo Aguilar.

The artist, Leopoldo Aguilar, received a Certificate of Fine Arts from U.P. Cebu, where he was a Jose Joya awardee. He founded the group known as Neo-Tribalism. Actively participating in numerous group shows, he held a successful show at Nakonnai Gallery in Phuket, Thailand.

Urbanic- 91 x 22 cm

If you think that, “Things to Come”, was another exhibit of abstract works of dripped paints or wild brush strokes, you assumed wrong. The works of Leopoldo Aguilar is a different type of abstraction. It is more about control than spontaneity. It is more method than madness.

In fact, I was even shock to see artworks like these especially given the fact that the works were advertised as abstract which the artworks are rightfully so, but still given its detailed images, you really will find the works a bit of a shock as the surprise you will get does not come from scandalous or controversial images.

It comes from the fact that the abstract works are meticulous. They are very detailed. They are carefully planned and made. It is a testament to the patience of the artist.

Neo – Landscape 140x 122cm

The other effect the works give you is that it makes you curious. Curious because it makes you wonder of the process on how the artist creates his works. How does he plan it? What do the initial study looks like and what happens if the overall image is not what he planned to do?

Aside from the shock and curiosity the artworks also remind you of “banigs” or mats. This is where the artists New Tribal Ideologies influence may be coming out in his works.

As mentioned, the artist was a founder of the Neo- Tribalist movement in Cebu. A movement that believes that civilization has failed and a need to re-organize a society of new tribes.

Finale 142 x 112cm

Overall, the exhibit was a refreshing experience. It kind of shows you what other abstract forms are out there. It is also an assurance that as long people decide to be artists and truly express their uniqueness, new form will always come out.

Congratulations to Leopoldo Aguilar.

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.