Stream of consciousness

Mirrored images between painting and poetry condensed in "Pondering," a previous exhibition of works by Rico and Chachu Lascano. The paintings of Rico and the haiku-inspired poems of Chachu echoed a contemporary voice that blended modernist painting inflected by an Oriental serenity and haiku-poems reminiscent of New Age contemplation. Together, painting and poetry sailed into an experiential delight of the spirit. That watery terrain, the pond, was turned into a beneficent act and object of contemplation.

In the current show, the Lascano couple present multiple exposures of image and words, in the rippling waters that by turn exude the calm acceptance of nature and the struggle to still the raging emotion. The ever-flowing current of this artistic exploration presciently bears the title "Stream of Consciousness."

In "Pondering," the poems of Chachu Lascano, with their quietly evocative images and haiku-like terseness, draw life’s lessons from the mystery of the churning waters: "Like a stream I can diverge into two, three paths/My essence not weakening, only flowing, rushing/to the thrill of finding myself whole again." Like Zen illumination, Chachu’s poems stream to a crescendo and snap to an end, like sunlight breaking.

In the abstract paintings of Rico Lascano, one feels a reverent lyricism that envelops the pictorial space of his large canvases. The radiance of light upon the water surface is achieved through the sensitive and controlled layering of thinly washed pigment, with their juicy drips highlighted by the filigreed encrustations effected by a fine-toothed comb. White is the dominant base and hue, evolving into myriad nuances when veiled with ashen grays, moss greens, inky blues and russet browns.

There is a touching surprise to this show: the guest participation of Lascano’s eight-year old son, aptly named Miro, after Joan Miro, Catalan master of wit and spontaneity and poetic innocence.

The four works of Miro Lascano – not surprisingly inflected by the style of the master – are rhythmic inventions of playful forms and delightful colors.

Fortunately for Philippine art, we are, through Miro Lascano, already assured of the next generation of abstractionists.

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"Stream of Consciousness" is on view from June 30 to July 6 at Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, 210 N. Garcia St. (formerly Reposo St.), Bel Air II, Makati City. For inquiries, call 890-3988 or 726-9015.