Exhibitions

Patrick Esmao and James Gabito are painters of two different palettes, each remarkably distinct in his respective style and genre. Baguio-born and bred artist James Gabito is acclaimed for his artisanal illustrations of folk themes including women vendors, mother-and-child portraits, and depictions of Old Manila. He excels in capturing the intricacy of freehand figures, brought to life with verdant hues and kindred spirit.

In contrast, Rizal-based artist Patrick Esmao explores similar themes to Gabito but distinguishes himself through highly technical art practices that have earned him accolades over the years, including illustrations of historical landmarks, famous cityscapes, and world-renowned skyscrapers. His works, often described as "geometrical patterns with metallic threads," may seem intimidating at first glance but prove astonishingly accurate upon closer observation.

Amidst their differences, both artists share the same goal – to bring Philippine art above and beyond, patterning their artistry to the vibrance of today’s artistic landscape while still maintaining their hallmark approaches. This culminates in the exhibition, “Evolving Impressions” at Galerie Joaquin Podium, a two-man genre exhibition that spotlights the enduring narrative of Filipino folk vendors with juxtaposing imagery that come together through unique sensibilities.

Every work is considered abstracted, more so reconstructed, into newer forms of reality. A reality that aims not just to be seen, but to be also felt, imagined and thought of. At its core, these artists share their work in homage to themes that depict everyday life – a poetic outlook on the often overlooked moments of normalcy.

James Gabito (b.1979) is a Filipino painter who studied Fine Arts at the University of Philippines Baguio. His works depict archetypes of the provincial culture attesting to its unspoiled and vibrant way of living. The artist’s interpretation stems from a perspective of change in practice, depicting local folks in old rural and urban settings, arriving in horse-drawn carriages and offering their freshest harvests, assembled with a sense of artisanal intricacy and rawness that is uniquely distinctive of the Filipino identity.

Patrick Esmao (b.1986) is an interdisciplinary artist hailing from Baras, Rizal. Treading the line between industrial drafting and commercial arts, his degree in Industrial Education – Major in Drafting at the University of Rizal System earned him the skill set to interlace the two fields, creating an art style consisting of landscapes and cityscapes rendered in metallic stitchings that form geometrical patterns, coined as ‘geometrical paintings’.

“Evolving Impressions”, a two-man exhibit by Patrick Esmao and James Gabito will be on view at Galerie Joaquin Podium from December 14 – 30, 2024. Galerie Joaquin Podium is located on the 3rd Level, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For more information, contact +63 926 722 7925, or email podium.galeriejoaquin@gmail.com.