“Modern Parlance” by Angelito Antonio as featured in The Daily Inquirer

“Modern Parlance” by Angelito Antonio as featured in The Daily Inquirer
Angelito Antonio’s celebratory ‘Modern Parlance’
By: Lester Babiera Philippine Daily Inquirer / October 14, 2019
Event: “Modern Parlance” by Angelito Antonio

[Featured: “Serene Motion” by Angelito Antonio]

“Modern Parlance” consists of works on canvas and paper exhibiting, as the title indicates, the modernist idiom that Angelito Antonio, among the first batch of Thirteen Artists awardees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, has been known for. But having found recovery and release from medical ailments, Antonio endows his recent works with a celebratory exhibit as indicated in his color palette. The figures, while frontally oriented as always, are also rendered in a freer, less controlled style.

The works on paper are notable, since, according to the artist, they record everyday moments of his journey back to health and wellness. “The events are depicted in planes of bold, layered strokes that evoke what he expresses as the fullness of his life he feels as an artist,” said art writer Grace Ng.

“Lito Antonio is one of the last few living modernist masters of Philippine art,” said Jack Teotico, managing director of Galerie Joaquin.

“What he has done for ‘Modern Parlance’ is take his 55 years of experience as a visual artist to revisit old themes (such as vendors, cock fighters, and mother and child motifs) and offer a fresh take on these subjects.”

“Modern Parlance” by Angelito Antonio is on view at Art Lounge Podium until Oct. 26 with artist’s reception on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.