From its lofty perch in Antipolo, Seven Suites Hotel and Observatory has a perfect view of the sun setting over the city skyline.Conveniently near the event area, this quaint and cozy venue has housed many of Jonahmar Salvosa's past art exhibits, and is now home to his latest collection of sculpture.
Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by three abstract paintings chosen from Salvosa's 2004 exhibit--perfect compliments for the lobby's tasteful décor. Further along, the walls are dressed with more abstracts from a 2003 exhibit called “Gateless Gates”. A wonderful, lulling breeze helps create a relaxed atmosphere--perfect for appreciating Jonahmar's latest awe-inspiring works.
Aptly titled “Rekindled journey”, his current exhibit marks the first to feature sculptures. Comprised of 47 pieces--all collectively eight years in the making--this is indeed a product of this artist's rekindled journey.
Majoring in painting, Jonahmar is a graduate of fine arts from the University of the Philippines. In1976, one of his works placed in an international competition, and flew him to Belgium. Later on, the St. Lorenzo Ruiz competition of 1979, would send him to Vatican City--his winning entry given to the Pope, to be hung in the Vatican. These successes allowed Jonahmar to backpack through Europe, and explore this continental arena of legendary art. The works of the greats--Da Vinci, Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel--implanted a deep admiration, while beckoning him to expand his artistic style. He felt he was being called out of his current mode of abstract into realism. Though previously believing realism to be “passe”, witnessing the classics pulled him back to the roots and foundation of a world he has always studied.
Since then, Jonah has focused on classics; however these which he calls "modern classics" are classical with a twist. Infused with his own personal flair, Jonah has managed to forge a respectable career and continue to place in the local art scene today.
His foray into sculpting began in the 80’s with10 cement sculptures for Stargazer Disco in Silahis Hotel. Though, at the time, he found sculpting expensive and time-consuming, his love for it was strong,persistent, and recurring. “Rekindled Journey” is a celebration of this love’s tenacity. Featuring artworks of various designs and color, the exhibit includes works of metal, painted in acrylic.Taking seven quirky chairs (which he calls collectively "the throne for angels"), he sculpted a lifesize nativity scene, a number of pieces inspired from his doodles, and others using a combination of wood and metal.
An important aspect of Jonahmar is also his practice of the Zen lifestyle. This way of life, has had a significant impact on his art as well. Not just in the process, but also in the very subjects that he chooses to address. All of them are brought on by his meditations and the otherbeneficial disciplines that he experiences being a Zen practitioner. Since it is an important part of him, it is also an important part of his art. In fact, it serves as his “guide” or “mover” and a check and balance for his art and life.
Jonahmar has been president of the watercolor society AGOS KULAY MAYNILA for the past two years. Now enjoying a sterling and prolific career, he paints and sculpts with an undying passion, and the prospect of many more things he is yet to share. Check out “Rekindled Journey” exhibit in Seven Suites hotel and observatory in Antipolo city, and bask in this man's artistic light and contagious creativity. The exhibit is ongoing and call 6820330 for more information.