UPV to host Tabuena’s surrealist paintings and abstracts
“The final work is formed by several things: abstraction, surrealism, observed and idealized thoughts of uncomfortable composition and a practiced sense of organized chaos,” is how this artist would describe his work. Indeed, the clean lines he creates form into objects of abstraction and carefully weave into exploding hues. The overall effect is an intriguing visual impact that invites scrutiny. Enrique Tabuena’s work is a product of his many years of experience and dedication to his craft.
Tabuena ’s art has evolved from his obscure beginnings in a small village in Sorsogon in the Bicol Region. His exposure to the finer art started at the University of Sto. Tomas where he majored in advertising. During his senior year at the University, the retrospective works of Ang Kiukok’s at the Metropolitan Museum completely inspired him to produce his own and embark on a life of canvases and easels.
Along his years of art expression, Tabuena has never been a starving artist, having first worked with a Japanese animation company, TMS animation. His style was honed all the more when he was hired as a graphic designer for Brooks Philippines. Venturing into the field of advertising, he gained experience from the best in the field. He was hired as Visualizer at Aspac and Grey and was taken under the wing of Leo Burnette as Art Director.
Stepping into a higher dimension in his career and trying to find more inspiration and space for his art, he worked at Ogilvy and Mather (one of the top Advertising Agencies in Kuwait) as Senior Creative Director. In his words “…the vastness of the Arabian desert is an inspiration to my art…” His seclusion in the desert State of Kuwait during his early days as an OFW allowed him to explore the boundaries of his artistic sense.
After many years of learning and experience, Tabuena has proven himself to be a prolific artist producing many works . He has mounted various exhibits in the country, including those at Hiraya Gallery in 1997 and Galerie Astra in 2006. He also impressed foreign collectors and art enthusiasts when he exhibited his works at the Doust Gallery in Kuwait in 2006. He led his Advertising Agency in winning a gold and silver awards from Summit Advertising Award (an international competition for advertising) and a gold and a bronze in the Kuwait Advertising Awards last year.
Coming to his second home, Tabuena will showcase some of his works including a piece that he did last year while he was on vacation and was inspired by a local town scene entitled “Before the Rooster Crows Twice.”
The University of the Philippines Visayas will host his works in an exhibit entitled “Abstract Women and Rooster” at the UPV Art Gallery from July 28-August 28, 2009. Prof. Vicente Tan will curate the exhibit. The formal opening of the exhibit and cocktails will be on Tuesday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m., Main Building, UPV Iloilo City Campus.
For more of Tabuena’s works, log on to www.tabuenaartscentral.com.