Randy Solon’s ‘Checkered Dreams’ at 371 Art Space

MANILA, Philippines - Randy Solon adapts his particular brand of hyperrealist symbolism fraught with religious imagery in “Checkered Dreams,” which opens on April 18 at 371 Art Space,  371 P. Guevarra Street, San Juan City, Metro Manila. The show runs until April 28.

Solon is an artist preoccupied with the spiritual and prefers not to be tainted by the extravagances of humanity. Trained at the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, Solon is fond of the contrasting mechanisms provided by diptychs, triptychs, and light techniques. He counts among his influences the Dutch Master Rembrandt van Rijn, particularly his affinity with shadows, which shows rather poignantly in the artist’s religious works.

In one of his works, for instance, one sees the different styles that underline Solon’s aesthetic sensibilities. The figurations themselves are depicted using a monochrome palette, but the background is of a bloody sunset. The plow motif is one of hardworking desperation — reminding us of the literary power of visual art to tell a story. Indeed, it is a power that Solon wields skillfully.

For inquiries, call 723-9418, e-mail  info@371artspace.com or visit www.371artspace.com.