You will not see a common theme when you enter an Estilo Art Group exhibit. What they give the public is not a single concept that might “box” the artist, but a set of diverging, free-flowing ideas dramatized on the canvas.
Estilo opened on Friday an exhibit of its members’ works at the Manila Yacht Club on Roxas Boulevard, and, unless they are by the same artist, no two paintings are similar.
For Rodrigo Aniag, the group’s president and the show’s organizer, the absence of an exhibit theme gives each painter’s talent a broader playground.
“There is no particular theme. We always hold open-themed exhibits like this so that each artist can express his creativity and hone his talents,” Aniag said.
“We can express ourselves better and diversify our styles if we don’t adopt a theme,” added Jerry Dean, also a member of the group.
Since 2012, Estilo has known the importance of exhibits to an artist’s profile and portfolio, so the group puts up at least 13 shows every year.
“As you organize more exhibitions, your field widens, your name is known by more clients,” Aniag said.
But even though each Estilo painter does not espouse any concept, an artist still cannot separate himself from his artworks, and he forges his own path.
“If you look at the artist and his painting, you will see him in his work. Our members have their own styles. You will be able to tell which of the displayed paintings is the work of one member by relating it to his personality,” Dean said.
The Manila Yatch Club exhibit will last until September 5. The group will hold another exhibit by the end of the year. We can expect distinct ideas spoken through brushes.