The simple pleasures of childhood despite a fair share of loneliness and tragedy: finishing a good drawing, climbing a tree, and swimming in a carabao’s mud pool.
Artist Christian Tamondong hopes to recapture these with his recent paintings in the exhibit “Biblinimals,” which opens tomorrow, 6:30 p.m., at the Art Verite Gallery in Serendra.
“I want those who look at my art to be reminded of their youth, to feel carefree and to escape even just for little while from the cruel and stressful world,” shares Tamondong. “Because all of us were little children with unforgettable childhood stories, I hope when people look at my paintings they can relate to them with their own memories.”
“Bibliminals” features whimsical and free-spirited figurative works inspired by various animal stories and anecdotes heard by the artist during Sunday school sessions as a child. The images allude to both religious symbols and his memories of youth — joyous and sorrowful.
Since the show references Tamondong’s memories, the works feature more playful compositions. Tamondong’s peculiar style in “Biblinimals” mirrors his training as a greeting-card artist during his teen years. The subjects are rendered in a whimsical and cartoonish manner characterized by peculiar shapes and bright hues.
Humor, remembrance and devoutness characterize Tamondong’s works. “Biblinimals” also alludes to various Biblical anecdotes. For instance, the work titled “Lion of Judah” features the image of a lion in geometrical patchwork, denoting Jesus in the Old Testament. “Jonah and the Big Fish” is a reflection on the humbling journey by Jonah of Nineveh. “Dinky Donkey” is an homage to the humble animal that carried the weight of Christ on its back on Palm Sunday. “As Bambi Panteth” connotes the symbolism of the Psalm verse speaking of spiritual thirst and hunger.
Christian Tamondong is a multi-awarded Filipino pop artist whose work has been shown around Southeast Asia, including galleries in Manila, Indonesia and Singapore and the US.
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“Biblinimals” opens on Sept. 26, 6:30 p.m. at Art Verite Gallery, Unit 2C-05, second floor, Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global, Taguig City. For inquiries call 915-1982, or e-mail info@artverite.net.