Embracing the beauty in imperfections
Coming up with an answer on what role art plays in society will always be dependent on the person being asked. There will never be an absolute definition for this.
But much like a writer’s words, a painter’s creations tell the story of their time. In Naomi Banal’s “Endless Possibilities IV,” a story of rebellion is being told.
As someone who enjoys reading offbeat stories, I came across an article about how the world is becoming duller and less colorful. Despite advancements in technology, in which any and every shade of blue, green, yellow, and red is possible, it seems a larger part of society is embracing grays and blacks to match the more streamlined life that minimalism presents.
Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but perhaps a more colorful world is what most of us need now. And as proven by the recently concluded Art Fair Philippines, many women artists are leading the way in ensuring that, whether through their bright pastel paintings or colorful ceramic dolls.
Similarly, Banal’s large artworks are a delight to see, freeing even. Vibrant and fearless are some adjectives to describe her signature style of painting translucent layers of floating colors and lines. Even the titles of her paintings—“Boundless Passion,” “Euphoric Flow,” “Exuberant Glide,” “Radiant Currents”—suggest images of movement and excitement.
The artist herself is a symbol of rebellion in her own way, as she now embraces more than just the beauty in the imperfection of her artistic process.
“As we celebrate ‘Women’s Month,’ I embrace the power of being a woman who is an artist, a mother, a wife, a sister, and an aunt,” Banal says. “In my mid-50s, there are no limits. Being a woman means being unstoppable.”
“Endless Possibilities IV” runs from March 1 to March 13 at Arte Bettina in Greenbelt 5 in the Ayala Center, Makati City.
