Exhibitions

Symbols play a powerful role in abstract art. The absence of a definitive form leads to different permutations of emotion, memory, and philosophy. The simple elegance of a circle, for instance, can be taken to mean the interconnections of life. The origami folding can taken to mean precision and accuracy. When combined with the proper medium - say stainless steel - the symbolic abstraction can completely embody the Japanese aesthetic concepts of kasno (simplicity) and seijaku (tranquility).

Joe Datuin is an artist that has become renowned for his ability to use lightly visualized symbolisms in stainless steel. His circular abstractions have garnered renown as an award-winning body of work that demonstrates the unity of form and material. In this manner, Datuin establishes himself in the tradition of the likes of Jackson Pollock in producing art that is accessible, yet thought provoking. "When people see my art, I don't want their eyes to bleed," he says. "I believe it's possible to make great art through simplicity."

Datuin's latest works will be on exhibit at the Atrium of the Podium Mall from Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5, 2015 with a Opening Reception on June 2, 6 p.m. Organized by Galerie Joaquin, the exhibit is titled "Metal Abstractions" and reveals a fantastic new direction for the artist. The Exhibit will move to Galerie Joaquin Podium located at the lower ground level, located along ADB Avenue in Ortigas Center, Pasig City from June 6-15. For more information, please call Galerie Joaquin at (632) 723-9418 or visit www.galeriejoaquin.com

Born in 1956 in Dagupan City, Pangasinan but raised in Tondo, Joe Datuin's early life was a simple affair. His father worked as a government clerk, while his mother was a homemaker. The second-eldest of four children, Datuin grew up fascinated with art. In elementary and high school, he would join and win drawing contests. In high school, in particular, he was the graphic and layout artist of his school organ. On family trips back to Pangasinan, he would observe his uncles who worked as signage painters for cinema announcements.

This passion for visual art led him to enrol in the fine arts program of the University of Santo Tomas, where among his professors were noted modernists Angelito Antonio,Leon Pacunayen, and the late Mario Parial, Leonardo Hidalgo, Cenon Rivera, Bonifacio Cristobal. He was contemporaries with social realist Jose Tence Ruiz and also shared the same building with fellow Thomasian sculptors Ramon Orlina and Eduardo Castrillo, who were studying architecture.

At UST, Datuin proved himself a prolific student. He joined, and won, several art competitions while studying, culminating in his awarding of the University's Benavides Award in 1977, the year of his graduation. The following year, he also garnered a third place award at the prestigious Art Association of the Philippines' annual art competition in Sculpture Category. The young artist then juggled teaching evening classes as an instructor at UST while holding a job at the Design Center Philippines, where he designed products under the auspices of Elizalde J. Navarro and another National Artist, Arturo Luz. He worked for the organization until 1981, and it was during his stint there where he first tasted international success, when in 1980 he won a Special Award at the Moscow Olympic Games International Poster Design Competition. Among his other stints are working as an illustrator in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and as an art director for the news and merchandising department at ABS-CBN before he shifted to full time art practice.

Originally a figurative painter, it was in the mid-90s that Datuin completed his transition into an abstractionist, completing an artist’s residency program under the Freeman Asian Scholarship at the Vermont Studio in New York. His abstracted sculptures and painting-sculpture hybrids soon became popular for their international appeal. In the early to mid-2000s, he works were exhibited in many countries, including the Philippine Embassies and Consulates in Chicago, Paris, Vienna, Milan, Berlin, Netherland, Brussels, and Rome. To date, he has held over 20 solo shows and participated in over 40 group shows local and abroad. But it was his "Dancing Rings" sculpture that garnered him acclaim, winning 1st Prize in the 2008 International Olympic Committee Sport and Art Contest (Sculpture Category) at Lausanne, Switzerland in the celebration of 2008 Beijing Olympics, besting 35 countries around the world. By deconstructing the Olympic rings and harnessing elegance, symmetry and motion out of gleaming steel, Datuin not only demonstrates the values of the Olympic movement, but also brings about an interesting new form and approach to sculpture.This latest exhibition brings to fore his latest works of origami in stainless steel. These beautiful works are testament to the technical aptitude of a truly remarkable artist.

Towards the end of the year, Datuin will be participating in an exhibit in New York City, USA. This leaves "Metallic Abstractions" as the last chance for the general public to view outstanding pieces while the artist is still in the country. It should not be missed.