The Adoro Gallery features never before seen artworks in Iloilo to Redux, a first anniversary exhibition. It will run from February 23 to May 19, 2024.

A rarissime collection rich of anecdotes

Redux has a rarissime (extraordinary rare) character because the works were personally handpicked by Edwin Valencia from his collection both in Manila and Iloilo, combining the pieces that he acquired from various shows here and abroad with the ones personally presented to him by artists.

Valencia curated Redux and described the collection as reflective of his preference for contemplative and thought-provoking works of art.

The sets that he organized for the show are historical pieces by themselves, and they have been enriched by anecdotes about the artists that made them and how they ended up in his collection. 

The extraordinary rare dimension of Redux is proclaimed by what can be considered “milestone artworks” of artists obtained by the collector during award-winning years of their careers, serving as turning points of their art vocations.

A facet of rarity is also shown by the canvasses of known artists today, which were acquired when they were still novices or during the early stages of their professions. 

The works of some names, on the other hand, reflect their personal circumstances, relating to the slowing down of their practice or relocation elsewhere in the world as a diaspora, while the savior-faire artists who have gained respect, integrity, and recognition are now bynames in various arts capitals around the world.

Through Redux, the collector intends to “bring back” or reintroduce the works of art by artists that may not be familiar to the eyes of new collectors or that have remained identifiable among art afficionados, offering a refreshing experience to viewers about the signature style that drew interest to the works, perhaps a particular stroke, color blending, composition, or genre of the artist.

The exhibition propounds lessons on persistence, consistency, and dedication to art as a craft, serving as keys to the accelerated occupations of the artists behind the works. Also on the dynamism of the art sector and the adaptability of artists to the ever-changing landscape of art.

You will see the early works of Iloilo and Bacolod-based artists Arel Zambarrano, Charlie Co, Edmar Colmo, Joe Geraldo, Melvin Guirhem, and Noel Elicana.

Keen followers of these artists can tell their experimentations and transformations through deviations, either in style, medium, subject, or presentation. Likewise, they can observe what features of their work have endured over time.

Among the works featured in Redux are by Gromyko Semper, Paulo Vinluan, Imam Santoso, Roy Veneracion, Arturo Sanchez, Raoul “Iggy” Rodriguez, Carlo Gernale, Kim Hamilton Sulit, Frelan Gonzaga, EJ Cabangon, Jeffrey Guanlao, CJ Tañedo, Rodelio Toti Cerda, and Renato Habulan.

Also works of Samuel Penaso, Jonathan Olazo, Reen Barrera, Ricardo Gerri Dueñas, Mideo Cruz, Jay Ticar, Marcel Antonio, Jericho Vamenta, Ronante S. Maratas, Cedrick Dela Paz, Ronson Culibrina, Jun Impas, Ronaldo Ruiz, Julio Austria, and Jojo Barja. 

Revisit the inaugural show here: Adoro Gallery and Museum: A peek at rare art in Iloilo’s newest art space

In addiiton, the works of Thai artists Nattiwut Choomanowat and Pat Yingcharoen are also among those selected for the show.

The splended welded brass sculpture of Ferdinand R. Cacnio, titled Running Free, is the centerpiece on the ground floor, while the work of Jose Tence Ruiz, titled Ang Balse ng Said Imperno, is the lone artpiece at the intermediate landing of the u-shaped stairs of the two-level gallery.

The Adoro Gallery Redux

Redux (February 19 to May 19, 2024) 
Exhibition Statement

The Adoro Gallery-Museum presents Redux, a composite of timeless and contemplative masterpieces that describe the philosophy of art collector Ed Valencia.Exhibit Statement

The collection is a regeneration of selected masterpieces. It is an embryonic joining together of rare works that have never before been exhibited in Iloilo since their acquisition in Manila and other countries.

Redux, or “brought back,” evokes introspection of the socio-cultural, political, and economic temperament of the moment they were created and the circumstances of the artists that made them.

The artworks footnote the passing of time, denoting the initiation of the artists into the world of art, recapitulating their evolutions and maturing processes, their triumphs and defeats, and how works of art have immortalized some who departed ahead of the rest. Hence, the exhibition speaks of artists’ rebirth and introduces a new audience to their works that have stood the test of time, inviting them to take a look and define the depths of meaning it continues to carry and intends to convey.

Also see the previous show: The featured works in Dagyaw at Adoro Gallery-Museum

Redux is emblematic of the eclectic taste and sensitivities of the collector, marked by the interplay of material, size, mediums, values, lines, shapes, and textures, alluding familiarity to the mysteriousness, strangeness, and mysticism of art. It likewise signifies the intervallic function of art, which tells the viewer that no matter how many times you have looked at it, there will always be something new and more to see, stimulating new thought and emotion and imparting reflection and new meaning at every encounter.

Redux breathes new life into familiar narratives of the day and nurtures the mind to transcend perceptions of the present. Each piece in this collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of artistic evolution and the timelessness of art.

The Adoro Gallery Museum is located at Block 14, Lot 15, Prime Estates Subd., La Paz, Iloilo City. Visits are by appointment, and for scheduling, you may contact 0927-045-0500.