We can all use a bit of escape once in a while, especially during these abnormal times. And what better way to indulge in some whimsy without leaving our brains behind than in a one-man show such as this. The theme alone teems with possibilities, both seen and unseen.
Contemporary artist Nikulas Lebajo, a master in whimsical minimalism, has depicted the subject matter of circuses and other oddities in the context, he says, of “visual interpretation” for his 20th one-man show aptly titled “Carnival,” which showcases a little over ten well-curated pieces of oil on canvas paintings.
Nikulas’ recent works are on display until June 14, Sunday, at the Saturday Group Gallery, 4/F East Wing, Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong City. Carnival is presented by the Gallery BIG.
As life imitates art, the appeal of this theme to the artist is deeper, as he looks back on his more than 30-year journey as an artist and what he has accomplished thus far in his painting career. He found it an excellent means by which to capture society’s idiosyncrasies by presenting his figures in such a way as to express their inner meanings rather than their outer, anatomical forms. In this way, he was able to convey the nuances of his creations.
In one of his works titled “Circus,” it characterizes the strong persona of the brawny man with the circus characters in the background doing their own tricks and the almost silhouette-like images of his trademark jars in succession. He organized the images depicted and began to build volume of earth colors across the surface of the canvas.
The effect is imagery that no longer ebbs. Instead, like almost all art that makes you think, the juxtaposition of compositions on canvas are now subject to the viewer’s interpretation. Almost crowded to the point of teeming, the figures in Nikulas’ works also astonish the viewer with their appearance.
The artist has portrayed the theme in the present time by decomposing and deconstructing the figures using technology and skillful rendering. And while the carnival is by definition a temporary space, subject to the ebb and flow of life, the spirit behind it is never-ending, persisting in the creative minds of artists. As long as there are artists who remain captivated by the theme, it will live on.
Nikulas started his painting career as the grand prize winner of the 22nd Shell National Art Painting competition in 1989. He had successive one-man shows at the then prestigious The Luz Gallery, was a consistent prize winner in the past Shell, Metrobank and Philippine Art Awards competitions, and has had exhibitions in noted galleries here and abroad. He took up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines.
