The “Masters’ Touch,” presented by drybrush Gallery, showcases six renowned artists — Raul Isidro, Al Perez, Nanding Sena, Juno Galang, Paul Dimalanta, and Lander Blaza — with distinct techniques presented differently in forms and spectacular oeuvre, united by their proficiency of the medium that define them as masters of this generation.
Each artist has a distinct technique, presented differently in forms and spectacular oeuvre, united by their proficiency of the medium that define them as masters of this generation.
“We have known each other for about 30 to 40 years already, and we have been in this art business for that long,” Blaza said. “Aside from that, Sena was my professor in the University of the East Fine Arts. Every now and then, we see each other at many events.”
The exhibition features a diverse range of works, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Unraveling the artists’ unique techniques and approaches that make them professional in their artistic ventures.
“I held an art exhibit with my wife before — it was a duo. These master artists also came at that time, and I told them that we can likewise organize an art exhibit,” Blaza also said.
“This art exhibit was five months in the making.”
“For you to be called a ‘master’, you must have experienced all disciplines from pencil and pen, to acrylic, among other art media, until you reach metal art” he pointed out.
“We have known and mastered our styles, and we have combined these, so that we can have this exhibit,” he noted.
Multidisciplinary artist Blaza is known for using a technique called “translayering,” coined from the words transparent and layering.
In 2009, Blaza returned to the Philippines and established LPB Arthaus, which organizes art exhibits at well-known galleries and popular malls.
Blaza staged over 100 group art exhibitions locally and six international ones in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, and Italy.
was young, and it was there that he learned painting techniques from different artists.
Galang migrated to the US, where he was a freelance artist/illustrator in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Vancouver. Later, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, to fulfill his lifelong dream of painting full-time.
Galang exhibited his works in galleries throughout the US until he decided to retire and move back to the Philippines. He set up a home studio in Paranaque, where he painted modern and vibrant combinations of colors in cubism and modern Impressionism style.
Dimalanta’s father made a prophecy that his son would someday be a great artist, and it happened.
Dimalanta created the shrine “Kamay ni Hesus,” which is now a tourist attraction and landmark in their home province of Quezon. He was also commissioned to make a mural in the Gandara Church in Samar.
Considered the “Father of Philippine Art Workshops,” Sena is known for depicting themes that Filipinos can easily relate to. Sena’s pan de sal series is acknowledged to be the single most significant body of work immortalizing the common bread on canvas.
Perez, known as the “Portrait Artist of Philippine Churches,” works with different mediums, but the theme of his works reflects deep spirituality and a passion for the Filipino soul and identity.
Abstractionist, multi-awarded painter, and prolific Filipino contemporary artist Isidro’s works are heavily influenced by nature.
He has been called a visionary and is a force to reckon with in the art world, having had hundreds of solo and group exhibits in the Philippines and abroad. His works depict the vibrancy and beauty of nature and the environment.
“As you can see, all of the art pieces are magnificent and saleable,” Blaza shared. “As an artist, you have to do and portray your own style,” one of the master artists advised.
The artworks of the six artists will be on display at the gallery located at SM MOA Square (Ikea Building), and can also be viewed via https://drybrush.com/exhibitions/masters-touch until February 28.
