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Manila-based abstract contemporary artist Markus Jentes mounts his sixth exhibition at 1335Mabini
Welcoming 2023 and the Lunar New Year of the Water Rabbit, the accomplished contemporary artist Markus Jentes mounts his sixth solo show at 1335Mabini last January.
Titled "Re Orient", the exhibition is "a testament to Jentes' own backstory, exposes the heart of evolution drawing upon a thorough if not painful re-examination of the world and of the self," as it says in its exhibition notes.
The exhibition features the artist's works that reimagine oriental East Asian-style art. Jentes presents a different technique and discipline, where geometry and precision are counterbalanced by repetitive strokes and shades.
See also: Markus Jentes on Pushing the Boundaries of His Artistic Style
Markus Jentes
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His patterns for "Re Orient" resemble organic forms featuring fluorescent root growths, aquatic patterns, and barely tamed electrical currents. "Everything seems to congeal as a lucid paean to Chinese and Southeast Asian art. This is seen in The Fortune of the Heavens painting series conjuring the undulating patterns of Koi fish. There are islands of related hues, broken up by portentous shadows of either black or gold flake," the exhibition note reads.
"I feel quite optimistic about 2023 in terms of where my art career and life is handling," Jentes says in an interview. "It all started in 2022 when my art and personal life had taken a shift in direction for the better. I realised that it was high time to allow for things to flow more freely, and simply avoid anything (or anyone) that was not a part of making life better or more harmonious. The birth of my daughter last March 2022 singlehandedly cemented this paradigm for me to live by. This change of heart and mindset are the reasons I believe will create a more optimistic 2023 for me."
See also: The Turning Point of Andres Barrioquinto's Magnificent Art
"Emerald Circulations No. 01"
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Jentes graduated from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. His unique approach towards art is described as abstract-expressionist and combines acrylic, spray paints and other mediums. He was first known for his early works that are geometrical but he has been exploring lately varied techniques and inspirations.
The artist has had shows, solo and with groups, at international galleries such as Galeria Azur (Madrid, Berlin, Buenos Aires) and SingulArt (Paris), and at Altro Mondo Creative Space in Makati.
With "Re Orient", Jentes provides audiences with a glimpse into his enlightenment through a return to nature artistic theme amidst the dramatic shifts in his career and family.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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