In Penumbra, on display in the White Hall of Kaida Gallery, Rene Cuvos employs contemporary hyperrealism in a series of visual takes on the imprint of invisible balances in human relationships, space and ubiquity.  Known for his fine, realistic and delicate rendering of whimsical images, Cuvos presents personas identified by the shadows they cast, whether real or imaginary, which reflect their true selves.  As a whole, the collection wells subtly on social commentary, presenting a recurring character in various guises replete with illusions brought on by smoke and mirrors intended to warp public perception.

A portion of the exhibition is dedicated solely to Cuvos’ studies.  The presence of these studies serve as chronology in examination, as the artist’s expressive details of his subjects function on their own as narratives which dramatize the characters in varied pretexts.  Having awareness of these drawings’ relationship to the larger whole, their collective simplicity amplify the mundane objects, events and images autonomously.  In Cuvos’ paintings, where negative space make up most of the world, there is a dialogue that exists in the interstices.

Simultaneously, Kaida Gallery’s Grey Wall offers fresh contemporary works in *Dialogo:  Cabangis,  EL Farol and Malto*, an exhibition of non-representational paintings by re-known   abstractionist *Benjie Cabangis *with mixed media works by *Noëll EL Farol* and a diptych by *Marc Malto*. As artists and art educators, this trio of individuals let their recent works speak for themselves, with each other, and with the viewer.  Cabangis reveals fluidity in abstraction contained in replicated linear grids as EL Farol explores archeological impressions that incorporate the versatility of glass frits and powdered pigment with acrylic paint.  Marc Malto defines virtual space with disembodied figurations in familiar interiors imbued with mysterious elements.  As a form of auxiliary dialogue, Bobby Feleo interacts with these artists’ works by executing the exhibition design. The title also suggests an approach towards the pieces from the physical angle of relation that the viewer engages in, artists and audiences alike.

Kaida Gallery is located in 26 Scout Torillo St., Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City

» ABOUT THE ARTIST : Benjie Cabangis , Noell El Farol