PHILIPPINES

In celebration of its 5th anniversary, Galerie Joaquin Main presents Old Manila, an exhibition of works by Dominic Rubio inspired by the Philippines during the latter part of the Spanish colonial era (1850-1896) and the early American colonial period (1900-1930).

In the show, which opens November 13 and runs till November 26, 2007, Rubio’s concern is to capture the nostalgia and romanticism of these periods while giving them a modern sensibility and whimsical appeal.

For Old Manila, Rubio, who turns 37 this year will be presenting 37 oil on canvas works. These include Malacañang by the River, Progreso, Bagumbayan (Luneta Park ), Binondo Arcade (Promenade in Chinatown), Ginoo (Gentleman), Ginang (Lady), Man and woman in Old Chinatown (diptych), To the Market, Plaza Sto. Tomas and Noong Unang Panahon V (Early Times V).

A founding member of the Guevarra Group and a graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas’ College of Fine Arts , Rubio has been painting for almost two decades. It was Rubio who was featured in Balik Alaala (Remembering the Past) the inaugural exhibit when Galerie Joaquin Main first opened its doors in 2003. It was also Rubio’s show Early Times (Noong Unang Panahon) that became the inaugural exhibit when Galerie Joaquin Singapore opened at The Regent of Singapore.

Rubio has been inspired to paint the men and women at the turn-of the century depicting faces and figures from the same period and milieu, the quintessential symbol of innocence and naivete at a time of great socio-political change. Challenged by the possibilities of these subjects, Rubio has developed a new and highly contemporary style.