Art & Living Achievements

Two of the Philippines’ most talented artists Christian Tamondong and Vincent Padilla join forces in a duo exhibit in one of Singapore’s premiere art venues Galerie Waterton, #02-01 Tanjong Pagar Distripark 39 Keppel Road from January 29 to February 28, 2010.

In one of the most awaited exhibitions in Singapore to start the new year, the event organized by Art Sentral Asia and Galerie Waterton features “Zoo La La!: Animalania works by Christian Tamondong” and “Renegade Buffoon: Recent works by Vincent Padilla.”

Tamondong turns a playful eye on the familiar representations of animals, alluding to everything from the characterization of creatures in children’s fables, to their allegorical associations, to their almost royal regard in certain cultures. Padilla is known for his ironic socio political agenda, and his works are at first glance funny from the visual images he uses, but after digesting the deeper meaning comes out the hidden agenda of its socio political discourse.

For inquiries: galeriewaterton@gmail.com, artsentralasia@yahoo.com or call +65 97344839 or +65 97832144.

The exhibit is supported and sponsored by PSA International, Tiger Airways, San Miguel, Diageo and 7107 Philippine Cuisine, Culture and Travel.

Zoo La La!: Animalania works by Christian Tamondong

Christian Tamondong turns a playful eye on the familiar representations of animals, alluding to everything from the characterization of creatures in children’s fables, to their allegorical associations in everyday colloquialisms, to their almost royal regard in certain contexts and cultures.

Inspired from small works that he had created during a previous stay in Bangkok, Zoo La La! initially stemmed from Christian’s observations of how animals in Thailand were treated with respect – that is, regarded with a dignity afforded any another living being. In his characteristically whimsical pieces, Christian reflects his own more intimate experience and observations with these everyday creatures, rendering sentiments of awe and respect into a kind of childlike marvel and wonderment that his distinctive aesthetic lends itself to.

Echoing the bright, vivid colors and unsophisticated forms of children’s art, Christian translates scenes from memory or cultural mythologies: notably, works such as “Majestic Merlion,” which is Singapore’s iconic figure of an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. On a different chord, “Playful Monkey” shows a typical scene of a monkey and its cleverness as it leaps around a tree; “The Lucky Horse,” on the other hand, recalls the Chinese notions of luck and perfect harmony that is attributed to the graceful animal.

As in his past works, Zoo La La! occasions Christian’s displacement of familiar shapes: the most basic fragments taken from clocks, chairs, cartoon figures, toys, food, clothing and other everyday things are taken out of context and assembled into the creatures and characters in his paintings.

Furthermore, he incorporates chalk-like white streaks resembling a child’s doodles, as well as acrylic drippings and washes that underscore the childlike sense of play. Here, it is evident how Christian consciously approaches the purity of intent that characterizes a child’s painting – that is, taking out the filters that people acquire as they grow up and painting things simply as he sees them.

Christian Tamondong is a multi-awarded artist born in Cavite City, Philippines on March 27, 1976. He took up painting at the Institute of Fine Arts and Design at the Philippine Women’s University. He is a member of the Anting-Anting art group.

Renegade Buffoon: Recent works by Vincent Padilla

The Buffoon provides entertainment to the royalties, starting during the ancient times, he tells jokes and makes a fool of himself in order to amuse the royalties and his subjects. As a licensed fool, a jester, joker, jokester, wit-cracker, prankster or buffoon he was given leeway by the court for his behavior and allowed to do what he wanted as he was employed for their general entertainment including music, juggling, clowning. But in Vincent Padilla’s case as a painter, “for my forthcoming show, I will be the licensed fool and make funny and witty visual narrative for the entertainment of my viewers”.

As an artist, Vincent Padilla is known for his ironic socio political agenda. His works are at first glance funny from the visual images he uses but after digesting the deeper meaning comes out the hidden agenda of its socio political discourse.

With the socio political story teller, the Renegade and the court’s jester, the Buffoon as a licensed fool, this is an exhibit that definitely is colorful but dark, witty and deep, funny yet serious and surely visually stimulating.

Vincent Padilla is a be-medalled painter, having won the top prize in the UP European Languages On-the-Spot Painting Contest. Shortlisted as one of the top finalists in the 2004 Philip Morris: Asean Art Awards Bangkok Thailand. 2003 Jurors Choice’, Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards.

 

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