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CARLO MAGNO OPENS "CONTINUUM" AT GALERIE RAPHAEL, 17 OCTOBER
On the heels of the recent success of his "Symphony in Red" show in Singapore, renowned abstract artist Carlo Magno opens his exhibit "Continuum" at Galerie Raphael (Unit 2C-06 2nd Level, The Piazza, Serendra Mall, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Telefax: 856 3034) slated on Wednesday, October 17. This features 30 new works from the artist. Aside from the latest developments in his art, Magno will be introducing his abstract works on diptychs, triptychs and works on paper. This exhibit follows the ongoing exploration of the artist to express his innermost thoughts and emotions. This is also an apt prelude to the forthcoming October 21 auction of the international auction house LARASATI in Singapore at The Marriott Hotel where Magno’s work is included.
His successful foray into the realm of abstract art began fifteen years after he had made a name for himself in representational art painting elaborate interiors, ancestral homes and idyllic sceneries. It was at the height of his success in painting such subjects that he began to feel the need to do more artistically. He observed "Gradually, things became very technical for me and I felt boxed in to a certain extent. Almost everything I did involved a pattern. I could hardly explore and express what I wanted."
In 2003, for his 15th One Man Show, Magno explored the world of abstract art. Aptly titled "Transformation", the show surprised collectors and critics alike. The thirty works he prepared for "Transformation" still contained his rich exuberant colors but there were no more recognizable images of interiors or courtyards. It marked a milestone in both his professional and personal life. In effect, what Magno had done was to radically reinvent and redefine himself in the world of abstract art.
Ten successful and sold-out one man shows later, Carlo Magno finds his "Transformation" as most fulfilling indeed. "On Higher Ground," "Transcendence," "Leap of Faith," in 2004, "Abounding Prosperity" and "Firm Foundation" in 2005 and a host of other equally successful shows "Rock of Ages" and just recently, "Symphony in Red" in Singapore has helped Magno win the admiration of his peers. Many of his collectors during his representational phase followed him in his new direction and more than that, he gained more adherents from new collectors. The acceptance has been no less than awesome. His works now adorn many top corporate boardrooms and offices in Metro Manila’s major business districts as well as in many of the newly built plush houses in exclusive subdivisions. Condominium dwellers have found affinity with his work. He has found collectors from all over the world although recently, the concentration has been with Singaporean and Hong Kong collectors.
The leap of faith, interestingly, is most certainly paying off. Now, in his "second life" as an artist, Carlo Magno continues to reap recognition and acclaim. The latest accolade is the acceptance of his work ‘Perfect Duet (East and West)" at the October 2006 Sotheby’s auction in Singapore. That was no mean feat indeed, considering that only a handful of abstract art from the Philippines is chosen for auction. Usually these artists are a veritable who’s who including the likes of National Artists Arturo Luz, Jose Joya, H.R. Ocampo, and Presidential Medal of Merit Awardees Nena Saguil and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Carlo Magno has found himself in good company indeed. |
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