In celebration of the Chinese New Year and as
a tribute to the contributions of the Chinese community to
society, Dominic Rubio is presenting 20 paintings in a show
titled "Dominic Rubio's Chinatown". The show opens at 6 pm. on
February 16. He has long been interested in the Chinese way of
life and it was intensified when he made several visits to
Singapore and Hong Kong last year.
In the exhibit Rubio would like to give
tribute to the Chinese who have been known for their penchant
for hard work, their outstanding trade and crafts and for their
business acumen. He chose to focus on Chinatown. In many
Southeast Asian countries particularly in the 19th century, it
would be the hub of commerce and trade where there was always
brisk economic activity and where business thrived.
In Manila, Chinatown during the Spanish
Colonial period was initially the Parian, an enclave where the
artisans and craftsmen were allowed to live and engage in their
trade. In the latter year this became Binondo which practically
became the commercial and economic nerve center of 19th century
Philippines.
Taking artistic liberty with his figures'
costumes and attire, Rubio has done this mainly to emphasize the
finery of silk and textiles on his figures.
It is set during the latter part of the
Spanish Colonial era (1850-1896). His works include "Paghanga"
(Enchantment) which shows a vendor usually appreciating winsome
Chinese lass, a "Puto Vendor", "Banana Vendor", a barber and his
young client "Afternoon Haircut", a "Blanket Vendor", and a
young man with his "Rice Bowl".
He exhibits his great affection for children
with a painting of a Father and Son "Saranggola", a work about a
"Young Boy on a Tri-cycle, "Twin Brothers" playing with their
kite, "Mag-ina" (Mother and Daughter) and "Two Sisters".
Relying on past themes he has succeeded in
interpreting them in a highly contemporary style that has become
very popular in today's art scene. His subjects with long
craning necks suggest no less than a people with much to be
proud of thanks to their rich culture and heritage.
Rubio's Chinatown will be on view until February 28 at
Galerie Raphael, 2nd Floor, Serendra Mall, Fort Bonifacio Taguig.
