Between Dusk and Dawn

CEBU, Philippines - Like most visual artists, Jose Mari Picornell finds rich material to work with from his periphery - blending bits and pieces of himself into paintings that are molded by the ambidextrous appeal in the post-impressionist style.This aspect in Picornell's approach to making art was the fundmental binder of his most recent solo art exhibition - "Pintar la Noche."

It was the featured show of Qube Gallery for the second half of September, and showcased more than 20 paintings of the post-impressionist genre - which valued capturing moments quickly rather than linger on superfluous details.

Mainly consisting of streetscapes and montages of various Cebu City landmarks, the exhibited works effectively encouraged and challenged Cebuano viewers to reconstruct and identify what they know of their city's popular thoroughfares, byways and places of interest - a feat which was made more dramatic as the sceneries and views presented were crafted at night.

Playing the role of a crusader of light in the cover of darkness, Picornell - apparently intentionally - took a different turn for this show, working on his paintings between dusk and dawn.

In so doing, the artist managed to masterfully mine colors amid the general absence of light, all with tones and shades, and in the process opened himself to a unique perspective where light is not at its most vibrant, yet is at its most poignant form. (FREEMAN)