Filling yet another blank canvas as he turns a year older, Kenneth Montegrande celebrates his life and art through his new exhibition
Birthdays have a way of reminding us about life’s paradox that a year gained is also one that is gone. As we grow older, this question about life begs to be answered with supposed clarity from experience: What of life do we celebrate as we turn older? Is it the money, fame, peace, happiness, change, or contentment? For abstract painter Kenneth Montegrande, it is the ability and opportunity to express ideas through art.
This month, the self-taught Filipino artist renders his newfound discernment in his 17th solo exhibition called Circle of Life. Montegrande presents 21 new pieces to his spectators, with 18 of them as abstract forms painted on circular canvas. Meanwhile, three cloudscapes are also present on the occasion, completing the painter’s exhibition.
Grasp of abstract
More than the collection’s literal use of a circular canvas, it is its meaning that elevates Montegrande’s colorful celebration of his second life. The sans-sidedness of the shape signifies the abundance of exchanges in life, such as giving and taking, as well as beginnings and endings.
The blending of colors brings about a certain gossamer feel that adds softness to the circular canvas. Meanwhile, the bold impastos technique is an intentional remark on growth. It is as if Kenneth is declaring his maturity with every bold stroke in each painting. However, this is not reliance on individual talent alone. The collection is also a homage to the hands of the real artist of giving and taking—God.
Turning of view
Another notable element on his cloudscapes for this collection is the spectral marriage of light and color inspired by Rembrandt and JMW Turner, respectively. These techniques invoke a realization of our dotted existence compared to the vastness of sea and sky. In this way, the artist shares the message of angling our ways of seeing to understand this fact about life. Kenneth sees these works as a constant reminder for two things. One, the need to center the self, and second, to feel the Divine in one’s daily life.
Quoted nuggets of wisdom from figures inspired his own titles, including the saying, “Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine” from Mario Fernandez. The artist reimagines it into an acrylic cloudscape iteration entitled “Rise To Shine.”
Ultimately, Kenneth Montegrande’s Circle of Life summarizes his optimistic outlook rooted from experience. As he starts another chapter in the book of life, the painter emphasizes his conscious commitment to further hone his craft and to strengthen his deep-rooted faith. And for that, birthday celebrations are in order.
‘Circle of Life’ will run from March 24 to March 30, 2023 at Galerie Joaquin Rockwell with an Artist Reception on the 24th at 5:00 p.m. The gallery is located at R3 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati. For inquiries, contact Galerie Joaquin at 09154145502 or email [email protected].
Photos from KENNETH MONTEGRANDE
