Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Whether painted on canvas or sculpted with copper, Katrina possesses an artistic vision that translates spiritual sentiments into tangible masterpieces.
A distinct emotion emerges when one gazes upon a piece by Katrina Cuenca. Each creation she produces exudes a sense of weightlessness, encouraging observers to not merely observe but truly experience her art. Whether it’s a canvas painting or a copper sculpture, Katrina’s artistic prowess has the remarkable ability to transform spiritual emotions into tangible works of art. In her most recent exhibition, “Celestia,” a title with Latin origins signifying “heavenly,” Katrina unveils exquisite variations of her abstract creations brought to life through radiant sculptures.
“I’ve been exploring new textures and colors and it’s important to be able to curate an exhibit that can bring that new experience. I think it’s important for the viewers to be immersed in the sculptures to be able to get the full experience of the dichroic colors and the play of light in the opposing textures,” shares Katrina on her newest works.
As you enter the exhibit, the luminous pieces transform the space into a divine sanctuary. With a flowing iridescence that mesmerizes the viewer, the collection evokes themes of grace, divinity, and elegance.
Katrina stages a serene viewing experience as her sculptures are crafted in their purest form, free from foundation or support. It’s as if the sculptures appear to be floating, frozen in a perfect moment where one can examine their celestial beauty. Yet once seen up close, the sculptures reveal a pearlescent glow, a gleaming luminescence that is reflected from the light. Further, the play of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to each piece, creating a mesmerizing interplay between form and illumination.
For her, sculpting requires a different mindset from painting. Depicting the waves in the sculptures required cutting and crimping of copper sheets before bending them into the flowy shapes and figures.
She finds sculpting a more spontaneous process but still taking into consideration the distance of the pleats as it greatly affects the pliability of the sheet of copper. It’s a completely different process from painting where she only manipulates paint to depict depth and movement.
Sharing more details about her works, she has this to say, “I find these flowy forms very relaxing and peaceful to experience. It’s easy for me to connect to these because it brings a sense of calmness and warmth. I am in the stage of my life where it is so important to protect my peace and cultivate it. I hope my art brings the same experience to their viewers.”
In essence, “Celestia” is a testament to Katrina Cuenca’s devotion to the arts, continuously experimenting with new elements to add to her impressive craftsmanship.
She transforms her personal experiences into beautiful mementos, sharing sentimental parts of herself through transcendent abstractions in hopes of inspiring others to explore the depths of their own creativity and emotions.
Katrina Cuenca (b. 1984) is a self-taught artist who has been painting since the 90s. Experimenting with figures, patterns, and textures, Katrina continuously rediscovers and evolves her art practice based on life experiences. The result is a melding of figuration and abstraction at its most spontaneous and celebratory.
To date, Katrina Cuenca is slowly becoming a household name in the visual arts field. She has had multiple well-received solo exhibitions and has participated in visual art fairs in the country such as ManilART (2020-2021), MoCAF (2022-2023), and Art Fair Philippines (2023).
“Celestia” by Katrina Cuenca will be on view until Oct. 30, 2023 at Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt. Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt is located at 3F, Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati City.
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
