Exhibitions

“Dominic Rubio: Life is a Journey” is rooted in the comfort of the nostalgic, between the artist’s envisioned progress of the past and the veritable present; with works that celebrate the diverse and distinct Filipino way of living. The theme of the exhibit expresses a period known to the artist as being between worlds and destinations, with references suggesting wondrous endeavors and exciting undertakings.

Rubio’s use of transport imagery acts as a metaphor for various forms of passage and arrival. For the artist, the act of travelling becomes symbolic of a transitional state and a period of whimsicality.

His works suggest that life is constantly in a transitory frame and progression will always ensue, that change and transformation are steadfast promises. By refining even further his understanding of the essence of life’s journey, Rubio applies every moment of blissful existence in his art through his inspired representations of bicycles, motorcycles, trains, cars, roadsters, airplanes, and the like alongside his signature localized characters. This special exhibition seeks to nurture an awareness of the pleasures of life, to create an awareness of its transience and revere every moment. The present, the now, is suspended between the Philippines’ glorious past and its hopeful future.

The desire to solidify an intangible experience of travelling has led Rubio to create this series of artworks. In celebration of his birthday, this exhibit reflects the rewards, enlightenment, and fascination he personally experienced in his travels -- evoking sense of wanderlust that has since never quit. Exposed to the continuity of life’s abiding cycles, Dominic Rubio has flourishingly translated visually his reverence of every Filipino’s pursuit for joy and adventure.

A founding member of the Guevarra and Blumentritt Group of artists, Dominic Rubio (b.1970) was born in Paete, Laguna, the Lakeshore town famous for its woodcarving tradition. He studied at the University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts where he majored in commercial arts.

Rubio first exhibited his works at the Ad Infinitum, delving on the subject of women, mother and child, the ethnic Filipina as depicted in her day-to-day chores amid the surrounding landscape. A major show in 2003 at Galerie Joaquin explored his favorite subject of Filipino women in the context of an evolving sensibility as shown in the figures and faces from an earlier period at the turn of the century as well as a suite of updated portraits replete with glamour from the distaff side.

Since then, Rubio who has become a favorite among major collectors in Asia, the U.S. and Canada has held major exhibitions where his signature figures in turn of the century garb with elongated necks have been a big hit with audiences. His exceptional works have done well in auctions such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Borobudur, Larasati, and Masterpiece. Dubbed as “people types,” art critics have said that with these figures, Dominic Rubio has shown a proud race that can hold its own in the community of nations.

“Dominic Rubio: Life is a Journey”, the first of three exhibitions in celebration of the artist’s birthday, will run from December 24, 2022 to January 2, 2023. The Artist Reception is scheduled on December 27 at 5PM at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell located at R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City. For inquiries, contact +63 915 414 5502 or email galeriejoaquinrockwell@gmail.com.