By Nancy T. Lu
Two years ago, Raul Isidro booked the Artist Space Gallery
beside the Ayala Museum in Makati for another one-man show. But while preparing
for his modern art exhibit titled “Landscapes,” health concerns set in one
after another.
The mind, as believed by the Buddhists, controls the body. As
his physical being went through healing, Raul Isidro did not allow his mental
power to grind to a halt. His artistic voice was not silenced and his painting vision
remained focused and clear. His amazing creative impulse continued to surge,
finding expression in new and very colorful abstract paintings.
Emotions spiraled up and down as seen in the colors of Raul
Isidro’s paintings from the period. The biggest work of art at the exhibit was
in fiery orange. Isidro also celebrated
life and passion in bold red. Shift in mood saw him opting sometimes for contrasting tapestries of softer shades.
What thoughts crossed Isidro’s mind when he painted an
abstract procession scene with shadowy figures against a strong red background?
Was he contemplating a spiritual journey with fellow travelers on a planet
going through global warming?
Isidro discovered a garden of
delight in his abstract art landscape. Beautiful flowers bloomed on his
canvasses, warming the hearts of exhibit viewers, including artists and
collectors, on opening night.
The sweeping brush strokes, the
darting lines, the small and playful images, the evolving shapes and the layers of colors
could only be the refined work of a seasoned painter. At age 74, he showed himself as still bursting
with creative inspiration and energy.
The painting collection on view included a
few precious remembrances of output from earlier periods or his "relics" from the past. More one-man shows can be expected from the driven Isidro who
has been upbeat in supervising personally the expansion of his atelier.
Nominated year after year for
recognition as Philippine National Artist, the award-winning talent from
Calbayog and mentor of many young and upcoming local artists deserves to find his
niche of great honor and prestige soon, pointed out a follower of Isidro’s long
career during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 26.
“Landscapes” will run at the
Artist Space Gallery until August 8, 2017.
